Obituary - Murdo James MacKay

Murdo James MacKay passed away August 2, 2024, with is wife by his side.

Born as a surviving triplet in Chinook, Montana, July 6, 1931, to Margaret and Norman MacKay, Murdo grew up with two brothers, John (Ann) and Donald (Sharee), and a sister, Jessie (John O'Malley). Murdo graduated from Havre High School in 1950. After high school, Murdo served in the US Air Force during the Korean War.

For over 75 years, the kind and handsome man behind the till at McLean's Grocery store served the residents of Havre. At 11 years old, Murdo helped Granny McLean put up the first order. As a teenager, he mopped the floors and stocked the shelves. As a young adult, he was known for buying a quarter's worth of the brightly colored penny candy displayed on the back wall and handing it out to his many nieces and nephews. And, as an old man, he could still greet his customers by name.

Murdo also served the community of Havre as a police officer for 20-plus years, retiring as a lieutenant. After retiring from the police force, Murdo worked as a dispatcher for the U.S. Border Patrol, and drove a Havre school bus, which he enjoyed.

Murdo is survived by his wife of 69 years, Ilo (Mackenstadt) MacKay; his two sons, Timothy (Ronna) of International Falls, Minnesota, and Stuart (Darci) of Lincoln, Montana; six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. 

A memorial will be held a later time.

Murdo was preceded in death by his parents from Uig, Isle of Lewis (Scotland; his two brothers, and his sisters.

The next time you stop by McLean's Grocery for that newspaper or treat, remember the old Scotchman who put up that first order back in 1942 and greeted you with your own personal nickname.