OTA is saddened to announce the passing of long time OTA Board member Ross Mackie, father to Norm Mackie, long-serving member of the OTA Board/Executive. Ross was 91.
OTA sends its condolences to the many friends and family members of Ross Mackie.
Ross had an incredible passion for our industry and worked to advance the goal of making the trucking industry a better place.
Ross leaves behind his sons Norm (Andrea), Paul (Dianne), Dean (Cindy) and Scott (Laura).
Proud Grandfather of Jeff (Carly), Michael, Ross, Evan, Jake, Josh, Melissa (Joshua), Brooke (Brett), Paul JR (Samantha), Stefani (Tom), Shawn (Sarah), Sara, Brett (Meaghan), Matthew, Derek (Madeline), Spencer, Summer (Holden).
Ross is survived by his great grandchildren James, Blayke, Tripp, Fisher, Elliott Anne, Michael, Cameron, Duke, Jaxon, Caleb, Hudson, Henry, Sofia and Scarlett along with his nephew Merle Schewaga (Donna). Ross was predeceased by his parents Merle and Amanda, his wife Diana and his sister Marilyn. Dearly remembered by Sandy Clarke.
Mackie’s story began on a farm on Harmony Road in Oshawa, where hard work and dedication were part of daily life. In 1928, Grandfather Charlie purchased the family’s first truck, planting the seeds for what would become a long legacy in transportation. In 1952, Amanda and Merle Mackie took a bold step forward, with “Mackie the Mover” as a founding agent for North American Van Lines Canada Limited.
Their vision and commitment laid the foundation for a company that would grow into a trusted name in the moving and logistics industry. Trucks and the trucking industry were Ross’s passion. At just 17 years old, in 1951 he made an incredible journey, hauling a load of furniture from Oshawa to Dawson City, Yukon-long before the TransCanada Highway even existed. In 1960, he was the second truck in the line to drive the newly opened TransCanada Highway after the ribbon- cutting ceremony in Wawa, Ontario. Ross’s career was nothing short of remarkable, filled with countless stories that left people mesmerized, captivated and often in disbelief.
Ross Mackie was a prominent figure in the transportation industry, leading the Mackie family businesses to grow and diversify into North American Van lines, Mackie Transportation, Mackie Automotive, Mackie Moving Systems, Mackie Transport HVP, STI and Mackie Harley Davidson. Ross was always so proud of his strong affiliation and long relationship with General Motors. The Mackie company has grown into a fifth-generation family-owned operation. Ross’s dedication to the industry is evident; even into his later years, he remained actively involved in the business, often visiting company locations to oversee operations.
Throughout Ross’s career he won many prestigious awards and his accomplishments were so very much appreciated by the entire Mackie family. Ross was a very generous man and giving back to the community was very important to him. Beyond his professional achievements, Ross and his family have been deeply committed to their community. They have generously supported local healthcare initiatives, including significant contributions to the Lakeridge Health Foundation, Grandview Children’s Centre, Durham College, UOIT, and YMCA. This philanthropic spirit underscores the family’s dedication to giving back to the Durham Region.
Ross and his family have been longtime supporters of Durham Regional Police, Canadian Automotive Museum, and Autofest. He especially loved watching the kids climb in and out of his trucks at events. Recently, Grandview Children’s Centre honoured Ross by installing a plaque at their new facility, where families and buses drop off Grandview kids.
Ross touched so many lives with his sense of humour, generosity, and deep love for life and family. We are incredibly proud of him and deeply appreciate his hard work and dedication over the years. His generosity extended beyond his loved ones to the community he was so proud to call home.
Visitation will be held at Armstrong Funeral Home, 124 King Street East, Oshawa Monday March 10 and Tuesday March 11 from 1pm to 8pm for a. A Private Family Service and Interment will take place.
A Celebration of Ross’s Life will be held on Wednesday April 16 from 12pm to 5pm, with Tributes at 1:30pm, Deer Creek Event Centre, 2700 Audley Road, Ajax.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Grandview Children’s Centre or Lakeridge Health Oshawa Foundation would be greatly appreciated by the family.
For online condolences and further information, please visit armstrongfh.ca
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