Rory Mack

With his vibrant and sparkling personality, Rory Mack touched the lives of so many within his reach. He was fun-loving and had a quick wit coupled with a sense of humor that was unmatched. Rory’s life was complete when he met the love of his life with whom he shared a marriage that provides an example of what marriage is truly intended to be. A city boy to his core, he just loved to get out in the country from time to time, and he appreciated nothing more than spending the holidays surrounded by his beloved family. Although he was plagued with health issues for many years, Rory never let his struggles get the best of him, making the most of each moment he was given. Taken from those he loved much too soon, Rory will be deeply missed.

The fifties were a time unlike any other in our nation’s history as we were introduced to things like blue jeans and Barbie dolls, but it was the introduction to rock ‘n roll music during this decade that forever changed the cultural fabric of our great land. Elvis Presley and Jerry Lee Lewis were household names while televisions were becoming part of American homes in record numbers. During this time there was much to celebrate in one family from Detroit, Michigan, as they were pleased to announce the birth of their baby boy on February 26, 1950. Baby Rory was the youngest of three children born into the family of John and Mary Mackovich. He was raised in the family home in Melvindale, a suburb of Detroit, during his earliest years alongside his older sister, Nancy, and his older brother, Gary. When he was seven, Rory moved with his family to Taylor, just southwest of Detroit.

From a very young age Rory was a gifted musician as he learned to play the piano when he was so small that he had to bounce across the bench to be able to reach all of the keys. He never took a lesson, but learned how to play completely by ear. Rory was a good kid who also kept busy with his little cars for hours on end. He attended local schools and was in a band as a young man. Rory also gave music lessons at a music store when he was 14.

After graduating from Taylor High School in 1967, he continued his education at Wayne State University and then at Specs Howard School of Media Arts in Detroit, graduating with a degree in communications. During this time he and his buddy, Ron Stults, started a rock ‘n roll garage band. Rory played the guitar, sang, played the keyboard and the drums at times, and he also wrote their songs. They eventually recorded three songs, one of which made it into the top ten!

With his education behind him, Rory established a successful career in the music industry. His work took him from Detroit to Ohio to Florida, and he worked in a variety of positions including as a DJ, in sales, and in management as well. Rory’s work eventually took him back to Michigan where he initially settled in Coldwater and later in Kalamazoo. He spent some time working for 98.5 Country and then for 96.5 where he became known as “fat man” in the morning. Rory’s skills in the industry were unmatched as he was a natural in sales and a popular DJ to boot. He knew how to work the crowd at events and did great interviews, too. Rory was well respected by his co-workers and audiences alike - and the best part was that he was doing something he loved.

It was his work as a DJ that provided the backdrop for the introduction to the woman of his dreams. Her name was Connie, and he was a DJ at the wedding of a member of her family in 1987. That was a great night, and it was even better when Rory left with Connie’s phone number. He called her the very next night for a date, and they quickly connected on many levels. Deeply in love, they were married the very next year on August 19, 1988 in Kalamazoo. The newlyweds moved into what had been Rory’s bachelor pad, and one year later they went on a cruise to celebrate their marriage.

Along with his marriage to Connie, Rory also gained two children whom he loved as his own, Chris and Angela. He always called his family – including “Fluffy” their little dog - “the microwave family” as it was complete in an instant.

The honeymoon never ended when it came to Rory’s marriage as he spoiled his sweetheart for no particular reason. It was not uncommon for him to surprise Connie with flowers and gifts “just because” as he worked hard to keep the spark alive. They always warmly greeted each other at the door, and they snuggled every night and held hands, too. They enjoyed many of the same things including music and singing the oldies together. There were also frequent impromptu trips up to Traverse City to take in the beauty of Lake Michigan, or a picnic enjoyed in South Haven where they watched the boats. Usually their trips were taken on Rory’s motorcycle.

Spending time with family was always something Rory appreciated as an adult. He loved getting together with his family for the holidays, and he appreciated the beauty of the country when they went to visit Connie’s family farm. Nothing was better than when Rory’s granddaughter joined the family as she was the light of Grampi’s life. He was never around babies all that much, but Rory loved every minute of it with Addy.

Although his life centered on his family, Rory enjoyed so many things. He was a car nut, mainly Fords, as his favorite was his 1965 Cobra replica with the 427 - his dream car since he was a kid. His car won many awards at car shows and parades and was always a hit.

For many years Rory suffered with kidney disease. He was put on dialysis in the mid-nineties and underwent a kidney transplant in 2001. Connie was a great nurse during the past 10 years. Suffering with both polycystic kidney disease and liver disease took such a great toll on Rory’s body.

With his quick wit and unending love for those around him, Rory Mack was a gift in the lives of many. His family was his priceless treasure, and his wife was truly his best friend. Rory’s memory will remain forever on the hearts of many.

Rory Mack died November 5, 2011. Rory’s family includes his wife, Connie Mack; 2 children: Chris Willbur and Angela (Paul) Henry; granddaughter, Adalyn “Addy” Henry; brother, Gary (Linda) Mack; and nieces and nephews. Rory was preceded in death by his sister, Nancy Brown, and by his parents. Share in some refreshments with his family and friends on Wednesday from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. the Life Story Funeral Home, Betzler; 6080 Stadium Dr. (269) 375-2900 where services will be held Thursday 11 a.m. A luncheon will follow in the Life Story Center. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can archive a memory. Memorial donations may be directed to National Kidney Foundation.