Richard Newton Mackay

1923 - 2017

February 15, 1923 - August 1, 2017 Richard Newton Mackay passed peacefully at home after a long and accomplished life. Born to Leah and A. Calder Mackay on February 15, 1923, he moved to Southern California in 1926, where he and his brother John and his sister Louise were raised and attended the Beverly Hills public school system. Pearl Harbor was attacked during Richard's freshman year at Stanford University. He enlisted in the Navy 's OTC program and later trained as an officer candidate on destroyers and landing crafts. He was in the service of the Navy for nearly four years achieving the rank of Lieutenant before separation in 1946. After the war, Richard completed his education, earning a BA (1946) and JD (1949) from Stanford. He joined the law firm of Mackay, McGregor and Reynolds, where he practiced as a tax specialist and estate planner. He appeared before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals and was admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of the United States. By nature fair-minded, he was doubly blessed with exceptionally good judgment and insight, and his advice on sensitive matters was often sought when emotions were high and calm was called for. In addition to a full legal career, Richard served on the boards of American Hospital Supply Corporation, Pacific Employers Insurance Company, Children's Hospital Los Angles, the Donald E. Baxter Foundation, the Santa Anita Foundation, and the Beverly Hills YMCA, among others. He married Florence E. Mead in 1949. He later married Virginia Harwell, who brought him great happiness, love, and a life of travel. Richard loved to bird hunt, trout fish and play golf with his friends and family. His most cherished memories were of traveling with his loving wife, Ginny, and annual trips to the Rocky Mountains with his sons and grandchildren. There should be only joy when your loved one dies at 94, but all who ever came to love or rely on him, while celebrating his life, will mourn his passing.