William Maxwell Mackechnie

William M. Mackechnie, a longtime resident of Boca Raton, Florida, and formerly of Chicopee, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully at the age of 81 on February 19, 2025. Born on July 13, 1943, in Springfield, Massachusetts, he was the son of the late Charles W. and Williamina (Maxwell) Mackechnie.

Bill was a graduate of Chicopee High School, where he was an accomplished hockey player and received the Robert Churchill Award for Most Valuable Player in the 1960-1961 season. He continued his education at Northampton Commercial College and later served six years in the Massachusetts National Guard, receiving an honorable discharge in 1971.

Bill began his professional career in the sales department at Savage Arms before transitioning to the insurance industry as an agent for Monarch Life Insurance Company in Springfield, Massachusetts. In 1984, he relocated to Florida, where he was appointed General Agent in Delray Beach. Later in his career, he worked in the Engineering Department at the Boca Raton Resort and Club until his retirement in 2020.

Dedicated to his Scottish heritage and community, Bill was a proud 50-year member of the Elm-Belcher Lodge and the Melha Temple Shriners. He also served as past chief of the Melha Highlanders and past chief of Clan Bruce Order of Scottish Clans.

An avid outdoorsman, Bill had a lifelong passion for skiing and was a member of the Mt. Tom Ski Patrol for many years. He also loved boating—whether sailing on Long Island Sound or fishing off the Florida coast. As one of the founders and past president of the South Florida Mako Owners Boating Club, he found great joy in sharing his love for the water with others.

Bill is survived by his loving daughter, Doreen (Mackechnie) Clancy, his beloved granddaughter, Madison Maxwell Clancy, and his four-legged buddies, Shaggy, Sugar, and Maisy. He was predeceased by his ex-wife, Elaine (Prych) Mackechnie, sister, Marilyn Hiorns, and his brother, Charles Mackechnie.

His legacy of kindness, adventure, and dedication to family and friends will be cherished forever.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Melha Shriners Children's Hospital in Springfield, Massachusetts, or the Tri-County Humane Society in Boca Raton, Florida, in Bill’s memory.

A visitation for William will be held Saturday, March 1, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Babione - Kraeer Funeral Home, 1100 North Federal Highway, Boca Raton, Florida.