Dr. Bruce MacKay, MD, of Vero Beach, passed away on April 24, 2015.
He is survived by his wife Phyllis; his son Greg (Debbie) of Vero Beach and their children Allison, Ian, Colin and Evan; and son Jim (Martha) of Cape Elizabeth, Maine, and their children Laura and Robert.
He was preceded in death by his son, Douglas Roland MacKay in 1985.
MacKay led a full, purposeful life, dedicating his substantial energies to the betterment of family and community. Born in 1931 in St. Albans, Vt., MacKay was the only child of Roland and Addie Hull MacKay and grew up in rural Vermont.
His academic career blossomed while at Middlebury College where his decision to pursue a career in medicine took root. Graduating Phi Beta Kappa in 1953, he enrolled in UVM Medical School. In 1957, MacKay graduated UVM Med School with cum laude honors and married Phyllis Ann Davis of St. Albans, Vt.
After completing a year of Internship at Ohio State and year of Residency in Internal Medicine at Albany, N.Y., MacKay served his country as Captain and medical officer at Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas, Nev. He completed his medical Residency and Fellowship in Endocrinology at his Medical Alma Mater, UVM.
In 1964, upon completion of his Fellowship, he joined the Guthrie Clinic in Sayre, Penn. MacKay was appointed Chief of Medicine serving in that post for 20 years. He particularly enjoyed his time as teacher and mentor for the continuous stream of residents and medical students who passed through the training programs at the Guthrie Clinic.
He also served as Vice President of Board of Directors, Director of Donald Guthrie Foundation, and as Board Member of the Guthrie Medical Center. He retired in 1991 to enjoy his favorite hobbies including golf, bridge, reading, sailing at Lake Wesauking and traveling. Of all his accomplishments, MacKay was most proud and derived great pleasure from his family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Middlebury College. A celebration of Bruce’s life will be held at the Grand Harbor Club, Vero Beach, April 30, at 1 p.m. Arrangements are under the direction of Strunk Funeral Home and Crematory, Vero Beach. A guest book is available at: www.strunkfuneralhome.com.
