When prominent Lindsay citizen and businessman Linden “Lindy” Mackey passed away suddenly in May at the age of 58, the Kawartha Lakes community was in shock. He left behind his wife Stephanie and their four children Sophia, Thomas, Joey, and Natasha.
Condolences, memories, and tributes poured in for the co-owner of Mackey Funeral Home and Mackey Celebrations and Stoddart Funeral Home Inc., who was known for his community service and leadership, kindness, compassion, and generosity.
Now, the local leadership that Linden embodied will be memorialized with the Linden Mackey Legacy Fund and the annual Linden Lighthouse Legacy Award.
On Tuesday (July 29), the Community Foundation of Kawartha Lakes announced the establishment of the new fund and award to recognize and celebrate people, community groups, and organizations that go above and beyond to make a positive impact in their communities in the Kawartha Lakes.
“We chose the lighthouse logo as a symbol of our wish to bring light to those silently suffering through dark times, and to express our gratitude for those who offer support when it’s needed most,” says Stephanie in a media release, who also thanked the community for the outpouring of support, compassion, and kindness to her family during “an overwhelmingly difficult time for us.”
To be presented during the Lindsay and District Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Awards Gala beginning in 2026, the annual Linden Lighthouse Legacy Award will shine a light on local leaders who demonstrate generosity, inclusion, and a spirit of neighbourliness, as well as support initiatives that promote mental health and overall community well-being.
“We are pleased to be able to work with the Community Foundation of Kawartha Lakes and the Lindsay and District Chamber of Commerce to establish the Linden Mackey Legacy Fund and Linden Lighthouse Award,” says Ted Hill, a representative of Linden’s friends. “Linden meant so much to many of us and we wanted to recognize how much our community meant to Linden. We hope that this fund and award will keep Linden’s love for people in our community strong for the years ahead.”
Community members are invited to honour Linden’s legacy by donating to the fund at bit.ly/LindenMackeyLegacyFund or by emailing info@kawarthafoundation.ca.
“Linden was the kind of leader who quietly inspired others through his everyday acts of kindness and generosity,” says Community Foundation of Kawartha Lakes board member Mike Puffer. “Through this fund, we can carry forward that spirit and support those who continue to build a more compassionate and connected community — just as Linden did throughout his life.”
