Larry E. Mackay

Larry Mackay passed away suddenly on October 2, 2021. He succumbed to injuries he sustained doing something he loved – spending time in the outdoors on a beautiful fall day. He was born on Aug 9, 1947; the 3rd of 4 children born to Darrell and Belva Mackay.

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Larry was raised on a farm in the Taylorsville/Bennion area. He graduated from Granger High School. He was a member of the 4-H club and enjoyed raising hogs with his older brother, Dee. Let’s not leave out how he thrived on torturing Irene & Maurine, his sisters, whether he was teasing their cat or throwing the eggs they had gathered. He loved being on the farm and developed his hard work ethic while working with his family.

In 1966 he served in the California North Mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints. He loved serving the Lord. Upon his return home he attended the University of Utah for 3 years.

Larry had many good friends growing up. One had a younger sister named Debra. He met her years later at a friend’s baby blessing where they renewed their friendship and fell in love. They were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on March 17, 1971. They were blessed with five children and 50 years together.

Larry was a Journeyman Sheet Metal Worker by trade and created amazing metal works for several intermountain companies. He specialized in stainless steel and aluminum fabrication. He was in high demand for fix and repair projects for organizations including the Strawberry Anglers Association, SLC Airport, the Delta Center, to name a few. His talents were ahead of their time. He was granted a medical retirement in 2012.

Larry loved the outdoors. Fishing at Fish Lake, Strawberry and Stillwater Reservoirs with his kids and grandkids, and being anywhere in the back country were his favorite past-times. The stories he told about the fish he caught are legendary. He enjoyed hunting, camping, trap shooting in leagues, exploring on his side-by-side, and taking the scenic route anywhere and anytime he could. He spent many hours in his pasture raising cattle to feed his family. He was a dutch oven master. He coached his boys in their sporting events. He loved his grandkids and supported them in activities such as dance, lacrosse, motocross, baseball, soccer, football, basketball, and piano just to name a few. He was always eager to support a grandchild on a mission or any other endeavor.

Larry was a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints. He had a firm testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ and honored his Priesthood authority. He is a righteous man. He loved working in the Scout Program and spent 25+ years of his life teaching young men scouting values. Many family “vacations” were spent supervising scout camps. He served as Scout Master for over 10 years and received Bye for Now the Silver Beaver Award, a prestigious award given to adults by the Boy Scouts of America Council. He assisted with Eagle Scout projects until he and his wife were called to serve as missionaries in the Church Addiction Recovery program. He was called to be a Temple worker in the Draper Temple. He served in bishoprics, as a Stake missionary, and Elders Quorum and High Priest Group leader. One of his favorite callings was as a Ward Activities Committee member where he organized events the entire ward could enjoy. His annual trap shoot became a favorite for fathers and sons.

Larry is survived by his wife Debbie; five children: Amy Cosby (Joel), Spencer Mackay (Natalie), Dianna DeRose (Nathan), Clint Mackay (Tina), Joshua Mackay (Marlowe); 24 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren; Sisters Maurine Hill (Farron), Irene Hayward (Larry); and brother, Darrell D. Mackay (Mary). He will be loved and remembered by many friends and associates.

Viewing will be held Thursday, October 7th, 6:00-8:00 pm at Broomhead Funeral Home, 12600 S 2200 W, Riverton, UT. Funeral services will take place on Friday, Oct 8th, at 12:00 noon at the Corner Canyon Stake Center, 13366 S 1300 E, Draper, UT. A viewing will be held prior to the service from 11:00-11:30 am. Interment will take place at Redwood Memorial Estates.

Special Tribute: Our deepest love & appreciation goes out to the University of Utah SICU, trauma unit and first responders who cared so tirelessly for Larry. We pray a special blessing on them and also Larry's doctors who have been with him throughout. Thank You.