Donald Mackey

Aimee Judy Visiting the LaVere cousins in Michigan. Bottom: Krysta, Aimee, Bethany, Don, cousin Rich LaVere Second Row: Don's sister Diane, Don's mom Ruth, cousin Cathy. Standing: Don's wife Becky, Don's cousin (?), Don's grandparents Julia and Richard LaVere, cousins.

Aimee Judy Dad trained at Ho Chun under Grandmaster Gene Chicone, the only 10th degree black belt in the world, where Dad earned his 5th degree black belt and helped teach others tai chi other martial arts for years. I fondly remember being in the back of the room with my sisters, learning tai chi in a self defense class which my Dad taught weekly. He was so proud to include us in this part of his life and helped us follow along with the group. Even at a young age (maybe 8-ish) I was impressed with how Dad broke information down and was so kind to everyone, breaking any hint on tensions with laughter. I also remember many nights watching my dad practice tai chi in the back yard, occasionally with “uncle” George Halay (shown in many of these photos).

Aimee Judy Dad shoveled a straight line from the back door to the hot tub many times after snowfall.

Aimee Judy My husband, Matt, introduced my older sister (Krysta), niece (Skyler), and Dad to geocaching. They excitedly drove around Tallmadge while I stayed back preparing dinner with my mom. Several hours later, the four of them came back into the house, loudly sharing all of the places they had been and what they found at each of the geocache sites. While back at home, Skyler downloaded the app and discovered that there were a few geocache sites across the street at the baseball field. The four of them jumped up and ran across the street to locate a few more before dinner.

Aimee Judy Great time visiting Porter Oklahoma for Don and Becky's granddaughter, Skyler's high school graduation.

Jeannette Costello I’ll always remember Don for being a fun loving dad and an amazing grandpa even if you weren’t his own kid or granddaughter. Words can’t explain how much we loved him!