Robert Mackay, 80, of Lexington, Ky., formerly of St. Joseph passed away on Monday, Nov. 28, 2022, in Novi, Mich.

A celebration of life service will be at 11 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 5, at Starks & Menchinger Chapel and Cremation Service, 2650 Niles Road, St. Joseph with Pastor Dan Colthorp officiating. Friends may visit with the family from 10-11 a.m. on Monday at the funeral home. A private burial will be in Riverview Cemetery in St. Joseph.

Memorials may be made to St. Joseph First United Methodist Church or The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. Those wishing to share a memory of Robert online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.

Robert was born on June 4, 1942, in Holland, Mich., to Malcolm and Constance (Hinga) Mackay.

He graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1960 and then attended Hope College where he received his bachelor’s degree in 1964.

After graduation, Robert went into the U.S. Army Reserves. After getting out the reserves he started working for St. Joseph Saving & Loan in 1965.

On July 1, 1967, he married the love of his life, Margaret Diephuis. Over the years, he and Margaret enjoyed traveling together to several destinations, including an amazing trip to Vienna, Austria.

After working for the Saving & Loan for 17 ½ years he started working for Berrien Teachers Credit Union in 1982 as president and CEO. He was an active member of the St. Joseph First United Methodist Church for more than 50 years where he served 15 years on the administrative board and three years on the staff parish committee.

Robert was also a member of the St. Joseph Lions Club for more than 50 years and served as past president in 1974. He also served as chairman of the Michigan Credit Union League and was very instrumental in the growth of the organization.

Robert enjoyed playing racquetball, golfing and fly fishing in the Catskill Mountains in New York. He found joy in watching his grandchildren participate in all of their sporting events as well as watching the University of Michigan sports. He also was an avid collector of postage stamps and coins.

Robert is survived by his wife, Margaret Mackay ’66; children: Tim ’92 (Tricia) Mackay, Rebecca Havlicek (fiancé, Jay Vaughn), Drew ’01 (Anne ’01) Mackay; grandchildren: Austin Mackay, Ellie Mackay, Brett Mackay, Kamryn Mackay, Hailey Havlicek, Brooks Havlicek, Jasper Mackay and Wes Henry Mackay.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, and sister, Janet Kuyers.