Eugene J. Mackey III

Mackey, Eugene J. III Eugene J. Mackey, III went to be with the Lord on Sunday, November 27, 2016. Beloved husband of Ann Meyer Mackey; loving father of Elizabeth A. Libby Mackey Perrin, Augustine M. Tina Mackey Shodeen (Mark), Eugene J. Gene Mackey, IV and Philip J. Mackey (Mary); dear grandfather of William, Jennifer and Andrew, Claire, Grace and E.J., Madison, P.J. and Cadence; dear step-father of Barbie Mattie, Clint Whittemore and Katie McAllister; dear step-grandfather of Nora, Emma and Sterling; dear brother of Ellen Mackey and the late John E. Mackey; dear brother-in-law of Jan Shapleigh Mackey and Jim Meyer; dear uncle of Alex, John and Janie. He was preceded in death by his parents Eugene J. Mackey, Jr. and Mary Mackey Layton, and his brother John E. Mackey. Gene graduated from Ladue Horton Watkins High School in 1956, and received his Bachelor's Degree from Washington University in 1962. He received his Master's in Architecture from Harvard University in 1963. He founded Eugene J. Mackey, III Architects in 1968, which later became Mackey Mitchell Architects. Gene's work left an indelible mark on St. Louis, exemplified by projects such as the renovation of the Old Cathedral, which followed his father's renovation of that historic landmark in 1960. Other notable projects include Chaifetz Arena, the Alberici Headquarters, a LEED Platinum building, Central Institute for the Deaf, Jones Visitor Center in Forest Park, CBC High School, the design of the fountain at the Missouri History Museum, and the current renovation of Soldiers Memorial and Court of Honor, originally designed by his father more than 60 years ago. Gene also expanded his family's legacy at the Missouri Botanical Garden, where his father designed the Climatron, with multiple projects including design of the Japanese Garden, renovation of Spink Pavilion and design of the Shapleigh Fountain, a project he considered to be one of his favorites. Gene's accomplishments garnered widespread professional recognition, including serving two terms as President of the St. Louis Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), and being named a Fellow of the AIA, the highest membership level offered by the Institute. He was presented with the Leslie N. Boney Spirit of Fellowship Award by the College of Fellows and received the Distinguished Service Award from AIA Missouri. Gene also received the Gold Honor Award from the St. Louis AIA Chapter, the highest individual award an architect can receive. He was one of only 15 members to have ever received this honor. Gene built his firm into a national practice focused on student life projects, including a 40-year relationship with Washington University which included the complete transformation of the South 40 residential campus that resulted in the University being named #1 on The Princeton Review list of Best College Dorms. Other Mackey Mitchell university projects were completed at St. Louis University, University of Missouri, University of Notre Dame, Westminister College, Texas Tech University, University of Rhode Island, University of Pittsburgh, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Northwestern University, Miami (Ohio) University, SIUE, Pennsylvania State University, University of Colorado-Boulder, Ohio Wesleyan University, University of Alabama, University of Minnesota, University of Nebraska, Indiana University, Truman State University, Webster University, and many more. Gene was a giant as a civic leader and tireless advocate for the City of St. Louis and the region throughout his life. He was a trusted advisor and mentor to many friends and business leaders in the community for over 50 years. His impact on the St. Louis community and beyond is profound, deep and wide ranging, and will be felt for generations to come. Gene's passion and enthusiasm for architecture and the advancement of the St. Louis community was only surpassed by his love for his family. He was a devoted husband and always cherished the time he spent with his children and grandchildren. Whether the time was spent drawing, apple picking, golfing, on family trips or just talking about life, Gene was the consummate patriarch and a true family man. Gene was a man of deep faith and an eternal optimist, who sincerely believed each day was a gift from God to be celebrated. He demonstrated that belief each and every day in the way he impacted others and lived his life. He would frequently give the advice that we should always remain curious in life, and was a dedicated scholar and historian. Gene was an unwavering and true gentleman as anyone who had the privilege of meeting him will attest. We will all miss his calm counsel, guidance and inspiration, but his legacy will live on. Services: The family will receive friends at a visitation to be held at THE LUPTON CHAPEL, 7233 Delmar Blvd., University City on Sunday, December 4, from 12:00 Noon until 5:00 p.m. The Funeral and Interment will be private. A SERVICE OF THE LUPTON CHAPEL