Matthew Campbell Mackechnie, 88, of Yarmouth Port, MA passed away Sunday, April 23rd surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Chicopee, MA to Lillias and Matthew Mackechnie. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 67 years, Edith M. (Wooden) Mackechnie. He is preceded in death by his brother Ronald Mackechnie.

A veteran, Matthew served his country honorably as a corpsman in the United States Navy during the Korean War. His enlistment was cut short by the untimely passing of his father when he was called home to dutifully help his mother raise his much younger twin siblings, Ruth and Ronnie. Soon after his return to the Springfield, MA area, he married the love of his life and best friend, Edith, and they started their family. Matthew also began a very successful 40-year career as an engineer with Monsanto.

Matthew’s parents came to the U.S. from Dundee, Scotland; he was proud of his heritage and carried a lifelong love of the country’s grand game of golf. He was an active sportsman. As a young man he coached youth hockey and helped build and maintain outdoor rinks for his community. He also played competitive golf well into his eighties, took up skiing in his sixties, famously climbed Tuckerman’s Ravine, and enjoyed fishing the waters surrounding Cape Cod. He was a patient and skillful teacher and took great joy in sharing these passions with his children and grandchildren. Matthew was an avid reader, loved learning, and had a keen interest in history and science. He was a highly skilled craftsman constantly working on something new. He was the past commander of the American Legion Post 64 of East Longmeadow, MA, a member of the Sons of Erin Club of West Yarmouth, MA and the Saint Pius X Parish of South Yarmouth, MA, where he served on the parish council.

Matthew was a loving and proud husband, brother, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and friend who was cherished and adored. He will be remembered for his sharp and inquisitive mind, his tireless work ethic, his dry and unique sense of humor, and the love he had for his family. He leaves behind a legacy of joyous and lasting memories. He is  survived by his children James Mackechnie and his wife Tricia of West Dover, VT, Catherine Gaffney and her husband Kevin of Andover, MA, his sister Ruth Ross and her husband Gerald of Bridgton, ME, his sister-in-law Carol Mackechnie of Maryland, grandchildren Jacqueline Mackechnie and her husband Keith, James Gaffney (Maj. US Army Ret.), Elizabeth Gaffney, John Gaffney (former Cpt. US Army), and Cameron Mackechnie, great-grandchildren Quinn, Max, and Eagan, many loving nieces and nephews including Stephanie, Karin, Amy, Jenna, Marcie, and Chris, many devoted loyal friends and neighbors, and his beloved dog Molly.
 
Relatives and friends may call at the Hallett Funeral Home, 273 Station Ave., South Yarmouth, MA on Tuesday, May 2, 2023 from 9:30 to 10:30 A.M. followed by a funeral Mass at 11:00 A.M. at Saint Pius X Church, Station Ave., South Yarmouth, MA. 

 In lieu of flowers, contributions in Matthew’s memory can be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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