Mark Edward Mackie

Mark Edward Mackie, age 68 of Warren, died Monday, September 23, 2019 at Ascension Providence Hospital in Southfield, Michigan. He was born September 9, 1951 in Detroit, son of the late Edward Daniel and the late Halina Mary (nee: Grudzinski) Mackie.

Mark was a man of compassion who loved serving others, a trait he embraced at a young age. So it was no surprise when, at just 15 years old and still in school, Mark took a job as a busboy and got his feet wet in the restaurant business. As he watched and learned, Mark grew more intrigued and interested in the full scope of the food service industry,…especially in the aspect of serving the customer. Mark was well aware of just how special the experience of eating out was to his patrons, so he always poured the best of his skills into making those experiences shine. Night after night, Mark’s influences and expertise were simply the cherry on the sundae for those lucky to be served by him. He worked hard to make a name for himself and set the stage for his future. But little did he know, then, just how valued he was becoming until the day came when he was invited to join one of the finest and most premier banquet facilities in the area. Now, Mark’s abilities as a server took a major leap,…from tending tables at a restaurant to helping facilitate large events and bringing joy to many tables at a time. It was not only a challenge Mark met head on, but he managed his new position with poise, class and style, and was an integral part in making each and every event a memorable experience for all.

Still watching and learning, Mark became one of the facility’s finest professional banquet waiters and was truly respected for his helpfulness, dependability, and loyalty. Along with these traits, Mark was also renowned for his unique and genuine creativity and instilled with an artistic flair that emanated in most everything he did,…especially when serving others. As his talents became more widely recognized, Mark would find them being called upon for other events and were highly sought after in the many weddings that he helped set up and coordinate. That inherent artistry he possessed made quite an impact in the countless events that bore his signature, events that are still reflected upon with immense joy.

But it wasn’t merely on the job that Mark’s talents were exercised as he played a large part in the many parties and celebrations that were enjoyed by family and friends as well. Between he and his sister, Shelley, the two of them often banded together to plan and organize parties that made Studio 54 pale in comparison. If you hadn’t attended one of Mark & Shelley’s soirees, you hadn’t lived. And with all the libations being served, Mark was only concerned about one variety,…his coveted Grey Goose, the finest in the vodka family. And what’s a party without a little dancing, so Mark made sure that the right music was cued up and the dance floor was ready for the willing to cut-a-rug,…of which he and Shelley were happy to get started. Mark loved to dance and was a sight to behold on the floor. Much like watching the inimitable Fred Astaire, that artistic flair of Mark’s, obviously, made its way right down to his toes. And if you thought he was a sight, you should have witnessed the perfection of he and his sister on the dance floor,…giving new meaning to precision and style. They may have been siblings, but you would have thought they were professionals at the top of their game.

Yet for as much as Mark garnered great joy through the entertainment aspect of his life, the measure of the man was truly witnessed in the care he extended to his loved ones,…especially that towards his mother and sister as they made their way through their respective illnesses. Like the male answer to Florence Nightengale, Mark was there with his compassionate heart and giving spirit to aide in whatever way possible in bringing them comfort and joy. Nothing says “beating an illnesses butt” quite like the warm smile and embrace of a loved one,…and Mark came with both always!

Family meant the world to Mark, and they were a wonderful support network for each other. He made a lot of wonderful friends throughout his lifetime, but there was never a connection or love that ran deeper than that which he shared with his sisters, Dena & Shelley. Perhaps a bit gender challenged in the analogy,…but they truly were the “Three Amigos.” Even amidst geographic challenges, they still managed to stay connected and they spoke with each other constantly. Their Mama must have done a great job in teaching “love,”…for Mark was a shining example of how it’s done. And that love wasn’t merely reserved for the two-legged recipients in his life,…Mark was also the proud Fur Daddy of Bob, a beagle that stole his heart and provided him with inexpressible joy and pleasure. Loving a dog comes easy, and he and Bob knew that in spades.

A loving son, brother and uncle, Mark was truly a special person who was gifted beyond words,…not only in what emanated from him, but also in what he gave to the world,…especially to his family. He was the David to many of life’s Goliath’s…the sunshine amidst life’s storms that always produced a rainbow…and the wind beneath the wings of many. Mark possessed a loving-kindness that enveloped you like a warm blanket,  He was a man of his word, and had a mind of his own,…a mind that was often made up, at times. He touched a multitude of hearts and souls in his journey through life and leaves behind a storehouse of wonderful memories for all to cherish who were blessed to know him. Though he leaves us far too soon, it certainly is not without imparting the best of himself unto us all. He will be missed immensely and loved eternally.        

Mark was the beloved son of the late Edward & Halina Mackie. Dearest brother of Dena (Greg) Mackie-Sherburn, Christina (Ted) Jackson, and the late Shelley Mackie who preceded her cherished brother in death just 10 days ago. He was the treasured uncle of Adam Sherburn, Jordan Sherburn, Evan Sherburn, Amy Houston, Robyn Hamilton, and great-uncle of Jackson.

A private family service will be held on Saturday, October 5, 2019.

Cremation arrangements have been entrusted to the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home in Warren.

Please share memories of Mark at his guest book below.