Donald Logan Mackay

We are sad to announce that Donald L. Mackay of Harwich, Massachusetts passed away peacefully on November 27th 2025. He very recently was blessed to celebrate his 98th birthday with his family and closest friends.

Don exemplified the idea of a life well lived. He strived to make a positive impact on the lives of those around him. He was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He had many lifelong friends whom he cherished.

Don was born in Hartford CT on November 21, 1927. He served in the US Army as part of the occupation forces in Germany immediately after WWII and was a firsthand witness to the Nuremberg trials.

After the army he attended Clarkson College in 1951 and graduated with a degree in business administration. In 1960 he graduated from Trinity College with a Masters Degree in Economics.

Don began his career at Emhart Corporation where he met the love of his life, Doris Bernard. They married and moved to Windsor, Connecticut where they raised their four children. They later moved to Irvine, California and then to Harwich Massachusetts where they set down their final roots.

He worked as a Manager at Emhart Corporation which later became part of Black and Decker, until his retirement.

Don was an avid golfer and enjoyed the sport well into his late 80’s. His main passion was jazz music, and he was an accomplished jazz drummer. He played drums whenever he had the opportunity and was a drummer for the Big band Jazz Group “The Silver Foxes.” He also played throughout the Cape in a trio for many years with Ken Badger.

We will remember Don as gregarious, outspoken, and fully engaged in life.

Don was predeceased by his parents Donald and May Mackay, his younger brother Dave Mackay, his beloved wife Doris, and cherished daughter Michelle. He is survived by his three sons, Craig Mackay of Randolph, MA, Peter and John Mackay of Irvine, CA, his daughters-in-law Fran, Nobuko and Vera, his grandchildren Melissa and Brian Kalinowski, Joseph Ravalese, Rachel Mackay and Donny John Mackay and great-grandchildren Noah and Ayla Kalinowski.

A memorial service will be held at St. Christopher’s Church, 625 Main Street, Chatham, MA 02633 on Wednesday, December 10 at 10 AM.