HARDWICK- Norman Mackinnon, 92, of Hardwick, MA passed away peacefully in his home on Monday, March 4, 2024 after a long struggle with progressive dementia.

He was the beloved husband of Sheila Mackinnon who passed away in 2017. He was born on July 24, 1931 in Wilmington, Delaware and was raised in Bound Brook, New Jersey. Growing up, he enjoyed exploring the streams and canals near his home and visiting his Aunt’s farm in Pennsylvania. Norman, along with all 5 of his siblings, graduated from Rutgers University. He was an electrical engineer working at Hazeltine when a more senior co-worker, Leland Reed introduced Norman to his daughter, Sheila. Norman and Sheila were married and moved to Sudbury, MA where they would live most of their lives and raise their children. After 10 years working at Raytheon, Norman became a successful entrepreneur, starting and running his own computer engineering company until he retired in 1996. Later in their retirement, he and Sheila moved to Hardwick, MA where they became active members of the community, successfully leading an effort to protect the town’s rural character by preventing the establishment of a large-scale land fill.

Norman was an avid amateur athlete, applying his signature determination and drive to become as good as he could at skiing, tennis, bicycling, and running. He continued to run competitively into his eighties. Among his many age defying feats was winning the Bridge of Flowers 10K at 81 years old. He skied the Sierra Nevada mountains when he was 86. Norman was proud of these accomplishments and of his Scottish heritage, unfailingly hosting traditional clan Hogmanay celebrations every New Year. He was generous to a fault, offering room in his home or financial assistance to family and friends in need. His wit and wisdom were appreciated by all. He seemed to have a one liner for every situation. Those familiar phrases are now part of the family lexicon passed down through generations.

Norman is survived by his son, Neil and his wife Susan of Chelmsford, son Craig of Hardwick, and his daughter, Celia Mackinnon of North Hampton, MA. He is also survived by his grandchildren Nathan, Owen, and Cassie Mackinnon, Sean Hennessey, Hailey Fleury, and Kelsey and Evan Brown as well as his great-grandchildren, Charlie, Madelyn, Bennet and Nico.

A memorial Service will be held March 22, 2024 at 12:00PM at the Hardwick Town House 40 Common St. Hardwick, MA. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Norman’s memory to Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org)

Arrangements are under the care of Pillsbury Funeral Home 96 S.Barre Rd. Barre.To share a favorite memory or messages of condolence please visit Norman’s Book of Memories at: Pillsburyfuneralhome.com.