Clair (Jack) Mackie, 88, passed away peacefully Dec. 22, 2007 at his home in Freeland, following a long struggle with Parkinson’s disease.

Clair was born Aug. 21, 1919 in Seattle. He graduated from West Seattle High School in 1937 and then went on to art school. Clair was grandson of T.S. (Theodore) Mackie, one of four brothers who settled Maxwelton.

Clair, a Washington native, will be remembered for his 38 years of service at Sears Roebuck & Company. He served as a ham radio operator during World War II on St. George-Pribilof Islands, Alaska. Clair continued his love of ham radio as a member of local radio clubs in Everett and with the Island County Amateur Radio Club.

Snow skiing was another one of his passions. He started skiing at an early age, skiing until he was 78 years old, thanking the mountains for all the joy they had given him.

At 60, Clair started bicycle commuting between his home on Whidbey Island and his work at Sears in Everett. He continued commuting by bicycle until his retirement at 66, putting in 5,124 miles.

Clair donated much of his time helping others at Sunrise View Convalescent Center in Everett and at “Helping Hands” in Langley. He was very active in Bible study and with prayer groups. Clair was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Freeland.

He is survived by Tally Mackie, his wife of 66 years; daughters, Kathy Staples and Chris Radtke; and son, Greg Mackie.

We will all miss that friendly smile and the positive attitude he always exhibited.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 10 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Freeland.