Pierce Boynton MacKay

Pierce Boynton MacKay

Touched an Overwhelming Amount of Lives -

Pierce Boynton MacKay, age 77, of Mechanicsburg, and formerly of St. Paul, MN and Cleveland, OH, went home to Heaven on Wednesday, October 9, 2019.  Pierce was born on Wednesday, January 28, 1942 in Minneapolis to the late John Grant MacKay, Sr. and Rhoda Elizabeth (Pierce) MacKay.  In addition to his parents, Pierce is preceded in death by his two brothers: John Grant MacKay, Jr. and David Scott MacKay.

Pierce’s survivors include his wife of 54 years, Willian “Billie” (Hershe) MacKay; his two children: John Grant MacKay, III and his wife, Amy, of Lancaster, Kathryn Elizabeth Bostdorf and her husband, Matthew, of Lancaster; his six grandchildren: Kyle Gordon, Brandon Gordon, Gabriel Bostdorf, Theodore Bostdorf, Remington MacKay, Finley MacKay; several nieces and nephews; and his beloved canine companion, Jesse.

Pierce graduated from St. Paul Academy in Minnesota as part of the class of 1961 and from the University of Minnesota in 1965 with a Bachelor of Arts degree.  He proudly served in the United States Army from 1966 to 1969 in the Medical Service Corps where he was stationed in Frankfurt, Germany.  He received a Master’s of Public Administration in 1971 from Cornell University and a certificate in health systems management and health policy & management from Harvard University in 1979.  Pierce retired from Rehab Systems Company in Camp Hill, after five years of service working as the senior vice president.  He felt very grateful for the ability to retire at the age of 50 and travel all over the world with his wife.  Pierce was a former member of Camp Hill United Methodist Church.  Pierce served as a former board member with Homeland Center and Bethany Village.  In his younger years, Pierce enjoyed playing ice hockey and football.  Later in life, he was quite the outdoorsman with a love of fishing, hunting, and golf.  Pierce could also be found outside cleaning up leaves from the yard.  As the “Leaf Ambassador”, he always made sure there was not a single leaf left behind.

Pierce was very outgoing and happy; he was often described as, “the life of the party.”  He remained a very generous and caring, yet humble man throughout his whole life.  Pierce touched an overwhelming amount of lives, whether he was known as, “PB”, “Big Red”, or “Fierce Pierce”, the impact he made will never be forgotten.

All are welcome to join Pierce’s family on Saturday, October 26, 2019 at his open house with food and fellowship starting at 12:00 p.m., with his celebration of life to begin at 2:00 p.m. and a committal service with military honors presented by the Cumberland County Honor to immediately follow, all at Buhrig Funeral Home and Crematory, 37 East Main Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055; with Celebrant George A. Spangler officiating.  Interment in Bay Lake Cemetery in Deerwood, MN will be at the family’s convenience.  Cremation was private.

Pierce’s family has entrusted his care to Buhrig Funeral Home and Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read Pierce’s full obituary, view his memorial video and portrait, and sign his official guest book at Buhrig.com.