Dennis J. Mackey, 73

Dennis J. Mackey left this world on Tuesday, February 13 th , 2024, after a short battle with cancer, he was surrounded by his loving family.

Dennis was a true blue North Country man with many talents and interests.

His sense of humor was second to none. His quick wit and sarcasm left every one he interacted with with a laugh.

Dennis was an avid outdoorsman. He loved being outside in the woods and his knowledge of nature and animals started when he was young. He spent his free time hunting, fishing and trapping. Nature was his church.

He was lucky enough to work his dream job as a Conservation Officer and retired after 25 dedicated years of service.

Dennis was a proud Vietnam Veteran, serving 19 months in country. He was part of the Blackhorse Regiment and he served as a paratrooper in the Aero Rifle Platoon. He chose to be a sniper as he didn't trust anyone else to do that job the right way. He was awarded several medals including the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart.

Dennis was an incredible artist and storyteller. He was self taught and learned how to draw cartoons and caricatures by looking at copies of Mad Magazine, which he was still fond of in his later years. He was a watercolorist and a sculptor, his favorite medium was pen and ink.

He partnered with his close friend, Bob Belyea, in illustrating several beautifully handmade wooden canoe paddles with landscapes and wildlife, two of his favorite subjects.

Dennis was born on June 19th, 1950 to Leonard and Joan (Hill) Mackey.

He was the younger brother to Dan Mackey.

He met his soulmate of 49 years, Peg Mackey, while in college in 1972. He passed away on the 52nd Anniversary of their very first date.

Dennis was a loving father to Len Mackey (Canton, NY) and Rae Mackey (Potsdam, NY). He adored his three grandchildren; Jack, Allie and Leah Snell. He was so proud of them and all of their achievements in school and sports. He was the best Papa a kid could hope for. His absence will be deeply felt by his close friends and family.

He seemed to have a gift for making a connection with everyone he met and was always quick to crack a joke, usually at his own expense.

We know he is watching over us while he is playing cards, smoking a cigarette and having a beer. His spirit will be in our hearts and he will always be with us.

Donations can be made in his name to Hospice of the St. Lawrence Valley or consider planting a tree in his honor to give back to the nature he so loved.