Gerald Lloyd Mackie

Gerry was born on July 20, 1942, to Pearl (née Haystead) and Einar Dominicus Mackie. He spent the early years of his life in Nakina, Ontario, and moved to Capreol, Ontario as a teenager. After highschool, he graduated from Sudbury Tech and worked at Atomic Energy before going back to Capreol to earn his grade 13 credits so he could pursue a university degree. It was during this year he met his wife Liz. He earned his B.Sc at Laurentian University in Sudbury, followed by his M.Sc. and Ph.D. at University of Ottawa.

A lifelong learner and passionate naturalist, Gerry dedicated his career to science and education as a Professor of Integrative Biology at the University of Guelph, where he inspired generations of students with his curiosity, compassion, and deep respect for the natural world. He authored several books including: The Cottage Bible and The Mysteries of Mystery Snails. He was world-renowned for his research and expertise on freshwater invertebrates.

He especially cherished time at his favourite place - the family camp in Laforest, where he found joy in fishing, games of Yahtzee, poker and ’31’, percolated coffee on the woodstove, saunas, leisurely cruises down the lake, puttering/building/repairing anything and everything at the camp, not to mention the infamous Hillbilly hot tub. He held dear the company of friends, great neighbours, the Thomas clan, and his extended Mackie clan.

He enjoyed woodworking, watching sports of any kind, time outside by the pool, and cheering on his grandkids in hockey and lacrosse. He always loved a good dad joke which inevitably earned him a groan or two. He loved his Scotch whisky and had an affinity for Border Terriers, owning several over the years with Arie being their current Border.

Gerry will be forever loved and remembered by his devoted wife, Liz Mackie (née Thomas), his children Carolyn (Rob Percival) and Einar (Kara Yates), and his cherished grandchildren Katelyn (Rob Freckelton), Matthew, Ewan, and Griffin, who brought him endless joy and of whom he was so very proud.

Gerry was predeceased by his parents, his twin brother George, sister Sharon Arlt, and brother-in-law Edward Arlt.

He is survived by his brother-in-law Doug Thomas (Susan) and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, all of whom meant a great deal to him.

Gerry will be remembered for his wit, generosity, and unwavering love of life. His warmth and wisdom will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew him. Arrangements for cremation have been made with Gilbert MacIntyre & Son Hart Chapel in Guelph. A family celebration of life will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Canadian Wildlife Federation or Nature Conservancy of Canada.