Terrance ‘Terry’ Mackey, 85

Terry Mackey, age 85, died peacefully in his sleep, on Jan. 11, 2024, with his wife Theresa and dog Muffy at his side.

Terry was born on June 14, 1938, to John and Agnes Mackey in Malta. He was raised in Elliston.   He graduated from Deer Lodge High School and went on to attend Northern Montana College for two years, graduating in 1964.

He entered the Navy as an airplane mechanic at Moffett Base in California. After four years of service, he was honorably discharged.

In 1960 he married Theresa Magone in Deer Lodge; they celebrated 63 years of marriage.

Terry worked hard at his profession as a heavy equipment mechanic both here and in Alaska. He also ran and repaired generators for Alaska Power and telephone on Prince of Wales Island, Alaska.

He played as hard as he worked Sno-Catting in Montana and fishing in Alaska. Gathering firewood and helping others.

We’ll forever miss his sense of humor, practical jokes, and love of animals, especially dogs. He was a great guy, husband, father, and friend.

Terry was preceded in death by his parents and daughter Colleen Mackey; she was always in his heart and thoughts.

He leaves behind his wife Theresa; daughter Cathy Rasch; son Terry and daughter-in-law Andrea Mackey. He also had four grandchildren, Erica and Jason Burlingame, Trevor Wieferich Daren Wieferich; and great-granddaughters, Makaila and Katelyn Burlingame. He had numerous other relatives and friends that he loved dearly both here and in Alaska.

A celebration of life will be held from 2 to 6 p.m. on Feb. 3, 2024, at the family home, 1112 Hodgson Road, Columbia Falls, MT.  The family requests that no food or flowers be sent. If you wish, donate to an animal shelter in Terry’s name.

Friends are encouraged to visit the website at www.buffalohillfh.com to leave notes of condolences for the family. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory caring for the family.