The Life of Colin F. MacKay

Colin F. MacKay, Ph.D., age 91, of Bryn Mawr, PA on August 28, 2018.

Beloved husband of the late Ann N. MacKay; loving brother of Patrick MacKay and his wife Jackie; and dear brother-in-law of Nadeene MacKay. Also survived by his nieces and nephew Coleen MacKay, Neil MacKay Jr., Kathy MacKay, Lin MacKay, Kelli MacKay, Dorothy Ann Higgins, and Ellen Whitaker and numerous great nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his brother, Neil MacKay, Sr.

Born in Waterbury, CT; he graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1950 and received his Ph.D. from the University of Chicago in 1956. He served in the Navy both at the end of World War II and in the Korean War.

A “temporary” position as a chemistry professor at Haverford College turned into a 49 year career. While at Haverford he also served as provost for a time. Colin had an inveterate curiosity.

He traveled around Europe and the U.S. He enjoyed history, current events, and science. In retirement, he learned to speak French and Italian and supported the arts through regular attendance at the ballet, symphony, and the opera. Colin was extremely generous and kind to family, students, and everyone he met. He was accepting of everyone and always open to new experiences. He had an easy-going nature and when faced with adversity, he would shrug his shoulders and keep going.

He leaves behind colleagues and friends, decades of students who admire him, and generations of family who adore him, and all will miss him greatly. Relatives and friends are invited to greet the family Saturday, September 1, 2018 for his Funeral Mass 9 am at St. John Neumann, 380 Highland Lane, Bryn Mawr, PA 19010.

Internment at Arlington Cemetery, Drexel Hill, PA.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to American Friends Service Committee, 1501 Cherry Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102 or Free Library Fund of Philadelphia’s Free Library, 1901 Vine Street, Suite 111, Philadelphia, PA 19103 would be greatly appreciated.