Craig Mackenzie

Craig Mackenzie

Newbury, NH - Craig Belcher Mackenzie passed away recently at his beloved residence in Newbury, New Hampshire. Craig was the son of his late parents Edward W. Belcher and Helen J. Belcher Whitelaw of Latham, New York. He was the step- son of the late Edward J. Whitelaw also of Latham.

Craig was born in Albany, New York in 1953 and grew up in Latham, New York. He was educated and graduated from The Albany Academy in 1971. He continued his studies at New England College in Henniker, New Hampshire where he earned his bachelor's degree in 1975.

Craig was a construction industry professional and small business owner for over five decades. He worked on several projects throughout New England building new energy efficient homes, as well as countless historic restorations. He was a master craftsman fabricating custom handrail, stair parts and cabinetry both in the field and in his shop. He was very talented and embraced providing solutions to the most complex production problems.

Craig had many interests outside of work. He loved to read about history and had a keen interest in researching and learning about his family's Scottish heritage. He also traced his father's and mother's military careers and brave service during World War II. More recently he engaged in discovering the origins of his homestead and the surrounding area as an active member of The Newbury, NH Historical Society. He loved music of all genres, particularly The Blues, and later in life enjoyed Classical music - he attended NH Symphony Orchestra concerts often. An accomplished drummer during his high school years, he was later a bagpiper playing with bands at the Highland Games at Loon Mountain in New Hampshire. He was proud of the restoration work he did on his vintage BMW and Harley Davidson motorcycles and even a few instruments ranging from guitars, fiddles and banjos in need of his craftsman's touch.

For the past several years Craig raised horses on his property. He built and maintained a barn and stalls for his own horses, as well as a few seasonal borders. He was truly passionate about caring for his home, land, horses and pets.

Craig is survived by TJ (Jae) Whitelaw of Concord, NH, Carrie (Carter Yepsen) Whitelaw of North Creek , NY and Tim (Shelly) Whitelaw of Latham, NY, as well as his nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He will be greatly missed by us all.

In keeping with his wishes there is no formal service planned. The family will announce plans for a Celebration of Life to be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Craig's Memory may be made to New England College in Henniker, NH., The Newbury NH Historical Society or The Pope Memorial SPCA of Merrimack County - all organizations that Craig held in high esteem.