Joseph B. Mackay

WESTBROOK – Joseph B. Mackay departed this life peacefully at Seaside Rehabilitation in Portland on June 1, 2026, after a brief battle with cancer. Joe was the son of the late Constance (Bickford) and Hugh Paterson Mackay.

Joe was born in Bar Harbor on Sept. 13, 1947. He grew up in Winter Harbor, and resided in Boston, Bangor, Bar Harbor and Westbrook. He earned a bachelor’s degree in graphic design from Rhode Island School of Design. He shared his love of art, color and nature in many ways, as an Instructor at Heron School of Art, Indianapolis University, as an estate gardener for over 40 years for the Dixon family at Grindstone Neck in Winter Harbor, and as an artist creating and sharing hundreds of oil paintings.

Joe leaves behind his loving life partner of 43 years Alan Parks of Westbrook. He also leaves behind four sisters, Johanna Smith of Winter Harbor, Mary Mackay of Ellsworth, Susan Luther of Holmdel, New Jersey, and Sandy (Peter) Drinkwater of Winter Harbor, nieces Tricia (Chuck) Chavtur, Sarah (Chris) Joy, Alison (Kyle) Stearns; and nephews, Thomas Hill, Caleb (Kirsten) Luther; and grandnieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

His family thanks the staff at Northern Light Mercy Hospital and Seaside Rehabilitation for the love and care they provided. A celebration of Joe’s life will be held in Winter Harbor in mid-August. Joe has put away his paintbrushes and palette, but his colorful legacy will live on as a reminder of our love for him.

Consider making a donation in Joe’s memory to Friends of Acadia.