William MacKay

May 17, 1946 -

Feb 3, 2025

William Lawrence Mackay, better known as Bill, was born in Oak Ridge, Tenn., to Katherine Swope and Norman MacKay. The family relocated to Los Alamos, N.M., when Bill was young as Norman worked for the Atomic Energy Commission on the Manhattan Project. The family then moved to Albuquerque, N.M., where Bill graduated from Sandia High School. He was an all-state football and basketball player and held the NM state high school record in the shot put that stood for over 20 years. Bill graduated from the University of New Mexico majoring in economics and minoring in philosophy. Bill began working for Continental Airlines in 1967 as a ramp worker, but quickly was promoted and transferred to San Francisco and Los Angeles in the early to mid 70s. Bill took a leap of faith and joined Alaska Airlines in 1976 as a director of sales in Seattle, Wash. Further promotions found him moving to Alaska initially in 1978 as VP of Sales. He finished his career in the Anchorage office as Senior Vice President culminating a nearly four decade career in aviation. His mark on the airlines, especially in the state of Alaska, will never be forgotten. He was known for his willingness to help connect people with their families all over the state and country, especially in times of crisis. He was often the first person many thought of in dire times. Bill was incredibly active in so many charitable and civic organizations. Special highlights include his induction into the UAA Hall of Fame and an award created in his name for the UAA Student Athlete of the Year. He supported and helped support many youth sports including the creation of the Ina K. Memorial soccer tournament which is now called the Alaska Airlines Cup. He had a tremendous impact on the Great Alaska Shootout, Anchorage's bid for the Winter Olympics, the Kenai River Sportfishing Association and many others.

This was the man the world knew. We, his children, were fortunate to see all of this and marvel at all his accomplishments and accolades. His love and pride for us and his grandchildren was unrivaled. He could always be found on a sideline cheering and supporting. He loved being part of a sports trip or fundraising event and insisted on making his sourdough pancakes for us on game day mornings. He instilled in us a love of sports but always valued education and learning. He was incredibly well read and loved to travel and experience other cultures. He was deeply patriotic and very sensitive and enjoyed all the finer things in life, but was just as comfortable - maybe more so - with the simplicity of a cheeseburger while watching a football game. We all will deeply miss his infectious humor, his unconditional love and support, his chili, his beef jerky and his favorite saying to us, "Hey, careful out there."

Bill is survived by his children, Alison Stinnett of Poulsbo, Wash., and Chris MacKay and Elizabeth Harris, both of Anchorage; four grandchildren; and brother, Hugh MacKay. In accordance with his wishes, his family has decided to have a private ceremony in summer 2025 where his ashes will be scattered.