Ben Alton Mackey passed away peacefully at the age of 62 on July 12, 2022 with his two sons by his side. Ben was born in Jackson, CA on May 3, 1960 to Wayne Gordon and Carol Sue Mackey.
Growing up in Ione, Ben could be found embracing the outdoors and adventuring with friends. His love for being active could be seen throughout his school career in sports where he was a strong athlete in baseball, wrestling, football, and a star in track and his dedication to the Boy Scouts. He graduated from Ione High School class of 1978 and started at Ione Fire Department as a volunteer. His passion for firefighting drove him to get his EMT license and continue his education at Delta Community College where he received his Associates in Fire Science. He grew his career throughout the Central Valley, but it was Stockton Fire Department where he found his fire home. His 34 years in the fire service were one of his greatest accomplishments but his greatest joy in life was his sons, Scott and Ryan. He loved teaching and watching them play sports, volunteering at school events, participating in Scouting activities, and taking them on bike and motorcycle rides. Besides spending time with his boys and the fire service, Ben
competed in Olympic weightlifting and could often be found riding his bike around town. Ben was known for his big heart, love for animals, and helping others. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and the fire community.
Ben is survived by his sons, Scott (Beth) and Ryan Mackey, his sister Ava (Mike) Cole, and three brothers, Glenn (Cindy), Lenn (Donna), and Ken (Debbie) Mackey as well as several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Wayne and Carol Mackey.
A Celebration of Life will be held on July 28th, 2022 at 11 a.m. at Deegan’s Memorial Chapel in. Ripon, CA. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to California Fire Foundation or IAFF Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health Treatment and Recovery.
Ripon
Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin
Saturday, July 23, 2022
