- Date Of Birth: October 26, 1937
- Date Of Death: December 28, 2017
- State: Arizona
Bill Mack of Scottsdale, Arizona passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on December 28, 2017. Bill was born in Buffalo, NY in 1937 to Colonel Lloyd and Irene Mack, who preceded him in death. Bill had the opportunity to live all over the world throughout his childhood, because of his father’s career in the military. He attended Carson Long Military Academy (graduated as 2nd Lieutenant) and went to Anchorage High School from 1957-1960. Bill was active in scouting throughout his childhood, proudly earning the rank of Eagle Scout. Bill attended University of Maryland before serving in the United States Air Force. He settled in Scottsdale in the early 1960’s.
Bill spent the rest of his life making a significant impact in the Scottsdale community. He was a proud 55 year member of the Scottsdale Charros, a group premised around the equestrian and philanthropic way of life in Scottsdale. While serving multiple positions within the group over his years, Bill rode in 54 of their annual Charro Rides, making 52 of those rides every year consecutively. He served as President in 1967-1977 and Ride Chair in 1978. Bill then became Baseball Chair in 1982 and played an integral role in keeping Spring Training baseball at the Scottsdale Stadium in the 80’s. He never stopped devoting his time with the group and later received Lifer of the year twice in 2002 and 2010.
He was a lifelong member of the Fiesta Bowl committee beginning in 1973 and a founding member of the Fiesta Bowl Parade. Bill gave 36 years of dedicated service to the Employee Support for the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) and enjoyed taking retired veterans and guests on re-fueling missions with the military throughout his career. He was also a member of the Scottsdale Jaycees from 1962-1978, Scottsdale Railroad Park Board of Directors, FBI Citizens’ Academy, Scottsdale Boys & Girls club Board of Directors, Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors , Phoenix Air National Guard (PANG), Scottsdale Airport Commission Chairman & Valley Presbyterian Church Mariner’s couples group.
Bill was recognized throughout his life with numerous awards. In 2003 he received the Scottsdale, Chamber of Commerce History Maker Award and in 2006 the Drinkwater Community Leadership Award for his many contributions to the Scottsdale community. He was presented with the Commander’s Award of Excellence 153rd Field Artillery in 2002 and again for the 180th Field Artillery in 2003. He was also awarded the United States Marine Corps, Meritorious Service Award in 1991, the 2010 Adjutant General’s Medal for Outstanding Contributions to the Arizona National Guard, The Department of Defense, 7 Seals Award for Meritorious Service in 2002 and The James M. Roche Spirit of Volunteerism Award by the Employee Support for the Guard and Reserve through the Department of Defense. He was proud to be called an American patriot.
Bill spent his professional career working for over 45 years for Paddock Pools in engineering and sales. He always kept his co-workers laughing. Bill loved working with his clients to design beautiful backyard retreats to be enjoyed for generations.
A 78-year collector of Lionel trains, Bill was active in local and national railroad clubs including Toy Train Operators Society (TTOS) and Train Collectors Association (TCA), serving as the Chairman of the first Scottsdale-based TCA national convention in 2009. In 1997 he was the President of the Train Collectors Association.
His proudest accomplishment and greatest joy was his family. He is survived by the love of his life and wife of 48 years, Jean, daughter and son-in-law, Carol & Wallace Davis and son and daughter-in-law David & Cara Mack and 6 grandchildren, Elsa, Laurel and Brooke Davis, and Keegan, Kellan and Brennan Mack, all of Scottsdale. He will also be dearly missed by his most recent love, his white golden retriever rescue dog, Holly.
Bill knew the meaning of the words sacrifice and service, respect and responsibility, care and compassion, love and loyalty. He knew what it was to be generous – with his love, his talents, his time, his humor, his gifts, his wisdom. Many have described him as their greatest mentor. He gave selflessly to others – family, friends, employees, neighbors and strangers, his entire life.
