Remembering Rick Mackey: Iditarod Legend and Beloved Father
The Iditarod community mourns the loss of Rick Mackey, a legendary musher who passed away on May 13, 2024, at the age of 71 after a courageous 19-month battle with small cell lung cancer.
By the time he passed, the cancer had spread to his bones and spinal cord.
Rick’s contributions to the world of dog sledding and his enduring legacy in the Mackey family will forever be remembered.
A Legacy of Champions
Rick Mackey was born on May 1, 1953, in Concord, New Hampshire.
By 1959, he had joined his father Dick in Alaska and later helped train for the first run of the Iditarod.
Rick was born into mushing royalty.
His father, Dick Mackey, was a founding member of the Iditarod and famously won the race in 1978, sporting bib number 13.
Following in his father’s footsteps, Rick claimed his own victory in 1983, also donning bib number 13, making them the first father-son duo to win the Iditarod.
This incredible achievement was later echoed by Rick’s brother, Lance Mackey, who won the race four times consecutively from 2007 to 2010.
Notably, Lance wore bib number 13 in 2007, continuing the family’s unique connection to this number.
Brother, Jason Mackey, has also competed in the Iditarod, continuing the family tradition of excellence.
Bill Mackey, another of Rick’s brothers, also shared the trail with his family, making the Mackey name synonymous with the Iditarod.
Early Start and Pioneering Spirit
Rick was the first in his family to run a dogsled race at the age of six, which inspired the rest of his family to start doing sprint races as well.
This early start set the stage for a lifetime of mushing achievements.
Rick completed the Iditarod an impressive 19 times, showcasing his endurance and unwavering commitment.
He is one of only six mushers to win both the Iditarod and the Yukon Quest.
In addition to the Yukon Quest, he competed in 26 1,000-mile races, won two Kuskokwim 300s, and earned several humanitarian awards during the Iditarod, including the fastest time from Safety to Nome.
Rick’s Dedication and Spirit
Rick’s life was defined by his dedication to the sport he loved.
His passion for mushing wasn’t just about competition; it was about a deep connection with his dogs and the Alaskan wilderness.
He was known for his gentle hand with his dogs and his unwavering spirit, even in the face of the harshest conditions.
Rick’s approach to mushing was holistic, emphasizing the bond between musher and dog, a philosophy that inspired many in the mushing community.
A Life of Adventure and Family
Rick was married to his wife, Patty, for more than 40 years and was the father to daughter Brenda and son Roland.
His family has a long history of running dogsled races, and Rick’s early start in mushing set the course for his family’s storied legacy.
Rick enjoyed hitting the trails with his team alongside his father Dick and brothers Jason and Lance.
A Flair for Fun
Rick Mackey was also known for his playful side.
When he was on the Iditarod trail, he had a flair for playing tricks.
For example, one year he left bunny boots in a cabin so everyone thought he was still there and hadn’t left yet.
These playful antics were part of his charm, adding a touch of humor to the intense competition before trackers were introduced to the sport.
Brenda Mackey: Continuing the Legacy
Rick’s legacy lives on through his daughter, Brenda Mackey.
Brenda, herself an accomplished musher, has inherited her father’s tenacity and love for the sport.
She represents the next generation of Mackey mushers, embodying the family’s indomitable spirit and dedication to the Iditarod.
Brenda’s presence on the trail serves as a living tribute to Rick, reminding all of his enduring influence and the deep roots of the Mackey family in the mushing world.
Brenda shared a heartfelt message, encapsulating the profound significance of the number 13 in their family: “Our family lost my dad to his 19-month battle with cancer. May 13th. I knew it would be the 13th.
I felt it on Saturday and upset grandpa saying so, but it was his number, grandpa’s number, uncle Lance’s number.
A special number in our family.
Grandpa said that finalizes the number in our family.”
A Life of Adventure and Family
Rick was married to his wife, Patty, for more than 40 years and was the father to daughter Brenda and son Roland.
His family has a long history of running dogsled races, and Rick’s early start in mushing set the course for his family’s storied legacy.
Rick enjoyed hitting the trails with his team alongside his father Dick and brothers Jason and Lance.
A Flair for Fun
Rick Mackey was also known for his playful side.
When he was on the Iditarod trail, he had a flair for playing tricks.
For example, one year he left bunny boots in a cabin so everyone thought he was still there and hadn’t left yet.
These playful antics were part of his charm, adding a touch of humor to the intense competition before trackers were introduced to the sport.
A Community in Mourning
Rick Mackey’s passing leaves a significant void in the Iditarod community.
His fellow mushers, friends, and fans remember him not only for his achievements but also for his kindness, humility, and unwavering passion.
Tributes have poured in from across the globe, with many sharing fond memories of Rick’s camaraderie, his stories of the trail, and his infectious enthusiasm.
Honoring Rick’s Memory
In honoring Rick Mackey’s memory, the Iditarod community reflects on the profound impact he had on the sport.
His victories, both on and off the trail, have left an indelible mark.
Rick’s life was a testament to perseverance, love for nature, and the unbreakable bond between a musher and their dogs.
The number 13, so closely tied to the Mackey family’s storied history, remains a symbol of their remarkable journey and achievements.
Rick was diagnosed with an aggressive type of cancer — small cell lung cancer — just two weeks after Lance Mackey died from cancer complications.
His daughter Brenda shared that he was surrounded by loved ones in the week leading up to his passing, all telling him stories and adventures.
His wife Patti was constantly by his side, holding his hand.
As we remember Rick Mackey, we celebrate a life lived with passion and purpose.
His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of mushers and remind us all of the incredible journey that is the Iditarod.
The Mackey family, with their storied history and continued presence in the sport, stands as a pillar of the mushing community, forever carrying Rick’s spirit forward.
Rest in peace, Rick Mackey.
Your trail may have ended, but your legacy will forever run strong.
We send our heartfelt condolences to the entire Mackey family.
