Submitted by his wife
Craig Mackey was my true soul mate. His family was his pride and joy. I was blessed with over 31 years with this wonderful man.
He died October 14‚ 2003‚ in a tragic helicopter accident. Both the pilot and Craig lost their lives. He was on a mission to map new water holes for firefighting purposes. Craig began his career with the Oregon Department of Forestry in 1974. He was a Forest Protection Supervisor‚ a firefighter his entire career. Craig was also involved with aviation and held the position of Air Attack. He was also qualified as Air Operations Branch Director.
Craig was a fire investigator‚ also a Training and Prevention officer for Western Lane District. He was responsible for training hundreds of structural firefighters‚ wildland firefighters‚ employees from Federal agencies and the Oregon Department of Forestry. A very skilled craftsman‚ Craig could build or fix anything. We had just built our dream home.
He enjoyed the outdoors‚ working on our tree farm‚ motorcycles and music. Baseball was his passion. He coached teams for several years as his sons grew up. Craig will always be remembered as a devoted family man to his wife‚ four children and one grandchild. His work ethic‚ sense of humor and his wonderful engaging smile will live on forever.
Craig Mackey was my father. I am so incredibly proud of the life that he lived,I could only hope to be the kind of person he was during his short life onEarth. I love him very much and think about him every day. It’s been such an honor to have worked with him at Oregon Dept. of Forestry.Thank you for honoring my Dad and all the others who have made the ultimatesacrifice. God Bless.
– Melissa VanDammeUncle Craig…. I just wanted to tell you that you’re an amazing person firefighter or not… I still can hear you with your distinct laugh that you had… when I thought about getting into Fire Rescue, you automatically reached out and said I could come up there! I just wanted to tell you thank you and that I love you and I miss you!!! mom and dad both miss you very much my dad talks about listening to music with you and maybe having a cigar while my mom completely one-hundred-percent adored you from head to toe and this is all stuff not even having to do anything with firefighting which he was the best at and I just wanted to post this to let you know that we love you!!!!❤❤❤❤❤❤ ScottyCampbell
– Scotty Campbell