Neil Mackie Obituary

Neil was born in 1936 in Chesapeake City, Maryland. He graduated from Central High School in Philadelphia before continuing his education at the University of Pennsylvania, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in 1958. He later received a second Bachelor of Science from St. Joseph’s College in 1960.

Neil entered Loyola Seminary with the intention of becoming a Jesuit priest, but ultimately chose a different path and left prior to ordination. He began his professional career at General Electric in the missile and space division as a research scientist, specializing in infrared technology and edge detection for satellite imaging and detection systems.

While at GE, Neil earned a Master of Science degree from Drexel University in June 1966. In recognition of his exceptional work, General Electric awarded him a grant to pursue doctoral studies. Neil chose Colorado and the University of Denver, a decision that would shape the rest of his life and one he never regretted.

He later worked as a contractor with Martin Marietta on satellite programs before earning his teaching certificate. In 1970, Neil began teaching physics at Cherry Creek High School, where he made an immediate and lasting impact. Many of his students went on to become professors of physics and astronomy, while others pursued careers in civil, chemical, electrical, and aeronautical engineering — a testament to his ability to inspire curiosity, discipline, and confidence.

Outside the classroom, Neil was known for his adventurous spirit. An avid whitewater rafter, he took literally hundreds of students on rafting trips along the Arkansas, Colorado, and Green Rivers, including unforgettable journeys through Cataract Canyon and the Royal Gorge.

Neil retired from Cherry Creek in the early 1990s, but retirement did little to slow him down. He went on to teach mathematics at Metropolitan State College of Denver, graded AP Physics exams for the SAT, and later worked at the National Institute of Standards and Technology in its laser laboratory, contributing to research focused on developing and improving the nation’s atomic clock.

Neil’s intellectual curiosity was boundless. His research interests included magnetism, astronomy, nuclear fusion, mathematics, and Egyptian and Middle Eastern history. A passionate astronomer, he traveled the world to attend dozens of total solar eclipses — witnessing them from Montana, Nebraska, Russia, China, Indonesia, Africa, and even from an airplane flying across the North Pole.

He also enjoyed ocean travel, taking cruises through the Panama Canal, Southeast Asia, England, the Baltic Sea, and the Mediterranean.

Neil will be remembered as a gifted scientist, devoted educator, tireless learner, and mentor whose influence extended far beyond the classroom.

Neil was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Ronald, his wife Brenda, and his niece Ronda. He is survived by his nephew William (Bill) and his wife Rita; their sons Bill (Rachel) and Tyler; his niece Dana and her daughters Lindsey (Reid), Melissa and Brandy, and Ronda's daughter Kristen; along with many great-great nieces and nephews.

In lieu of lfowers, donations may be made in Neil's memory to one of his favorite charites: 

Denver Zoo https://www.coloradogives.org/donate/Denverzoo 

Denver Museum of Nature & Science https://www.dmns.org - look for the donate button in the upper right.