Eddie Richard Mack, Sr.

Eddie Richard Mack died peacefully at Whatcom Hospice House on December 3, 2024. He was born September 17, 1939, to Norman and Irene Mack in South Gate California.

He was preceded in death by his wife Rhoda, his parents, his sister Norma Stelle Martin, his brother Johnny Mack, his sisters-in-law Betty Mack and Ruth Wheeler, and his brothers-in-law Jim Wheeler and J.D. Downey.

The love between Ed and Rhoda grew over the years to include 3 children and their spouses, 9 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, and 2 great, great grandchildren. Ed is survived by his children Sherrie (Bill) Anderson, Norm (Tammy) Mack, Ed (Michele) Mack, his brother Alan Mack, his sister-in-law Darlene (John) Garner and his sister-in-law Doris Downey.

As a young man, Ed had a passion for auto racing. It was at the Bonneville Salt Flats where he officially joined the 200 MPH club. He also played catcher for a semi-pro baseball team. 

Ed’s priorities changed the day he met Rhoda Burger at church. Ed was married to the love of his life, Rhoda Mack, for 64 years. Ed dedicated his life to providing for his young family. He worked as an iron worker on the Union Building in downtown Los Angeles. Later he worked for GMC dealerships as a Service and Parts Manager for 30 years. Ed always had a strong work ethic which resulted in him winning several awards that included multiple trips. They would often reminisce about their two favorite trips which were a trip to Maui and a Caribbean cruise. 

Ed was a dedicated father. He made time for each of his children, and they knew they were the center of his world. He was the leader of his sons’ Royal Ranger group and coached their little league teams. They often hosted their children’s youth groups for taco or spaghetti dinners. He had a great sense of humor and was always playing pranks and telling dad jokes to all the kids that gathered at their home. It was a dream of Ed’s to play softball with his boys, so he coached a church softball team they all three played on together. Throughout the years their dinner table was filled with their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Family dinners were filled with love and laughter. As a grandpa he would drive his grandchildren back and forth to school and team practices. He would also attend their games and major events. His family always came first and there was never a doubt that they were loved. 

Later in life Ed was an avid gardener, and his crops were bountiful. He supplied his entire family with all the fruits and vegetables they could eat. He also grew enough to help supply the Christ the King food bank. 

He loved watching NASCAR races, his favorite sports teams, and old westerns with John Wayne. He enjoyed collecting NASCAR and the Duke’s memorabilia.

Ed and Rhoda devoted their life to following Jesus and were the youth leaders in their church when they were first married. Ed also served as a board member and deacon in the churches they attended. They both had a heart for missions and supported numerous mission projects, and local food banks.

Ed lived a Christ centered life here on earth and now he has entered Heaven to hear his Lord and Savior say, “well done, my good and faithful servant”. 

Ed’s celebration of life service will be held at Bayview Chapel, 2465 Lakeway Drive, Bellingham, Washington on Friday, December 20th at 12:00pm. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Whatcom Hospice House.