Ken Mackay passed away on October 11, 2015, from complications related to a stroke. He spent the month since his stroke surrounded by family and friends.

Ken was born in Sugar City, Idaho, on August 9, 1929, to Alfred and Helen Mackay. He had an older sister, Cathryn who was called Kay, a younger sister, Rosalie, and an older half brother, Jim. From a young age, Ken was a hard worker who took his chores and responsibilities very seriously. He was a loyal son who was a great help to his parents all of their lives.

Ken graduated from Sugar City High School and worked throughout Idaho and California until he was drafted for the Korean War. He served as a medic, and his unit was charged with opening the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, a major U.S. Army hospital in Germany. After his military service, Ken attended Ricks College before settling into his agricultural career.

Ken was born to be a farmer. It was the only job he ever wanted to do, and he did it well. He had both natural instinct and skill when it came to working with animals and crops, but most of all he had a commitment to hard work. As a family, we hope to honor our father's memory by following his example of dedication, integrity, and hard work.

As a young farmer, Ken met the love of his life, Joyce Parker, while she was working for the Production Credit Association. They married in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple on February 15, 1956. Ken enjoyed the Parker family and kept a close association with his new siblings all of his life. Ken and Joyce shared a great love, an enduring friendship, and a true partnership during their lives together. The most difficult thing Ken ever had to do was to say goodbye to his sweetheart when she passed away in February of 2011. Ken and Joyce have five children: Cindy (Jon) Caudle, Linda (Jon) Maughan, Gary (LaRae) Mackay, Bruce (Nancy) Mackay, and Charlene (Jerry) Crozier. They also have 16 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. We are grateful to have been blessed with such wonderful parents and grandparents, and we will strive to love and support our families as they did.

Ken was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and he held many calling over the course his life, including: Counselor in the Bishopric, Sunday School President, High Priest Group Leader, and Home Teacher. Ken believed in being a good neighbor, and he appreciated the camaraderie of fellow farmers and old friends. Ken was a mentor to many young people over the years, and he always tried to offer advice and help when those around him were in need.

Later in life, Ken reunited with an old friend he had dated as a young man. Ken and Carol Sutton Robison were married in November of 2011. Ken enjoyed spending time with Carol and her children and grandchildren. He was warmly welcomed into their lives, and the two divided their time between Rexburg and Overton, Nevada, until Carol's passing in April of 2015.

Ken is survived by his children and younger sister, Rosalie Mackay. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, October 16, 2015, at the Henry's Fork LDS Stake Center in Hibbard, 1508 W 3000 N, Rexburg. The family will visit with friends from 5:30 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Thursday, October 15, at the Flamm Funeral Home, 61 N First East, Rexburg, and again before the funeral on Friday from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at the Henry's Fork LDS Stake Center. Interment will be in the Sugar City Cemetery.

As a family we are grateful to Dr. Hans Redd, the doctors and nurses of Madison Memorial Hospital, the staff of Madison Carriage Cove Rehab, and all who helped care for our dad during the last weeks of his life.