Donald Scott Mackay, 71, 30-year resident of Whidbey Island, died at Careage of Whidbey on Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2003, following a lengthy illness.

Mr. Mackay was born Dec. 3, 1931, in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., to Alexander John Mackay and Gertrude (Scott) Mackay. He was their only child. He resided in Pauling, N.Y., until he graduated from high school, at which time he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and served four years. Upon completion of his enlistment, he then started his career with Grumman Aerospace in 1957 at Calverton, N.Y. In 1973, Don transferred to Whidbey Island Naval Air Station as a technical support engineer for the aircraft. He retired in 1992.

Donald married Jeannette Wilder on April 28, 1976. They did some traveling, but he enjoyed home and working with flowers outdoors until his health allowed very little activity. He was a very private man.

Don is survived by his wife Jeannette at home in Oak Harbor; three step-children, Troy Wilder and wife Linda of Oak Harbor; Teri Vogt of Ocean Shores; Tami Bjorkman and husband Mark of Snohomish; eight step-grandchildren, Josh Vogt of Burien, Brenna Lopez of Bellingham, Emma Lopez of Ocean Shores, Terra Bjorkman of Snohomish, Adam Pemberton of LaConner, Troy Benjamin of Oak Harbor, Christopher Zimmermann of Bellingham and Carrie Zimmerman of Oak Harbor; one great-grandson, Timothy; a brother-in-law, James McLaird and wife Donna of Vancouver; also, a niece and nephew. He also leaves one son, Donald Mackay, Jr. and wife Maureen of Easthampton, N.Y., and their three children, Kenny, Scott and Ian; also, a daughter-in-law, Virginia Mackay and one additional grandchild, Alexandra Mackay, both in Virginia. He was preceded in death by his parents and one son, Brian Mackay.

A private family graveside service will be at Sunnyside Cemetery, Pastor Grafton Robinson officiating. Memorials may be made to a favorite charity. Arrangements under direction of Burley Funeral Chapel.