Arnold Lyle "Mack" Mackley
Obituaries
Grand Junction Daily Sentinel page 5A Obituary - June 16, 2021
Arnold “Mack”
L. Mackley
September 15, 1932 - May 27, 2021
On Thursday night, May 27,
2021, Jesus called Arnold Lyle
“Mack” Mackley to his heavenly
home after a brave battle with
cancer. After talking to his
family and his grandchildren
in the morning, he said he
wanted to lie down in his own
bed. Over the phone he heard
Scripture from two of his dearest family friends saying that Jesus
has “prepared a place” for him, and he said that he was “ready to
go”. He slept most of the day and his family was able to be with
him and comfort him. Then after dinner his wife, Darleen, said
she was ready to go to bed. She snuggled up with him and said her
prayers and nodded off to sleep. Minutes later one of his daughters
went in to check on him. Mack had waited for Darleen to lay down
with him and hold his hand, before he took his last breath and they
went to sleep together like they had for the past 62 years. Wiley, his
faithful dog, was right there, by his side, like he always was.
We would like to thank all of you for your prayers. We know he
touched so many lives and thought of everyone as a friend. Each of
you know who you are, you are the ones that brought a smile to his
face, said something that tickled him and made him laugh, worked
beside him or played a part in one of his many adventures; you are
the ones left with an indelible mark on your lives with your story of
him. As much as we’ll all miss the place in our lives that he filled,
we rejoice in knowing that today he is in paradise with his Lord and
Savior, in no pain and with a healthy body once again surrounded
by his family and many friends who preceded him.
Arnold “Mack” Mackley was born September 15, 1932, in Clifton,
Colorado, to Walter and Agnes Mackley. He had one brother, James
“Jimmy” W. Mackley, who is survived by his wife, Myrlis (Fowler)
Mackley. He graduated from Central High School and attended
Mesa Junior College. He joined the Navy in 1954 and served on
Adak Island, Alaska. Upon being discharged, he became employed
by Stearns-Roger at the Union Oil Shale project on Parachute Creek.
It was there that he met the love of his life, Darleen Bernklau. They
were married on June 29, 1958 on the Bernklau Ranch. It was on
that day, that he gained a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Paul and
Carla Bernklau.
The couple traveled with Stearns-Roger and lived in 16 towns
in seven states on construction/mining jobs across the western
United States. Their journeys even took them to Beersheva, Israel.
Upon returning to the states, they moved to Denver and eventually
back to Rifle where they purchased the Bernklau family ranch.
Mack worked in the capacity of a Western Division Controller for
Cleveland Cliffs Inc., then at Schmueser and Associates, RMF
Minerals, Ameralia and at AMSO, LLC - American Shale Oil
where he finally retired at the age of 84. He continued his ranching
responsibilities, still driving the feed truck this winter. It was what
made him and his dog happy and kept him going all these years.
His children, Craig and Dianne, made sure that when he looked
out his window, he could still see black cows on his green fields.
Mack served as a Garfield County Commissioner for two four-year
terms from 1988-1996. He was honored to work with his fellow
commissioners, Marian Smith and Buckey Arbaney, who became
his lifelong friends. He was also on the Garfield County Planning
and Zoning Board and appointed to the Colorado State Racing
Commission.
His pride in all of his children left him without words, Darla,
Dianne and Craig Boe, and Ryan and Katie Potter Mackley. Mack
loved the families of his in-laws, Sam and Terri Potter, and Norm
and Connie Boe. His favorite times were family gatherings and
celebrations. He loved laughter and fun.
The joy of Mack’s life were his grandchildren. He was in the
grandstands of every football game, basketball game, award
assemblies and of course, dance recitals. “Papa” could not have been
any prouder of Ethan Edward (19), Gracelyn “Gracie” Rose (15),
Adelynne “Addy” Mireille (11), and “honorary” granddaughter,
Lauren Pearl Potter-Turner (D’Angelo). Papa will be greatly missed
by them all.
Uncle “Mack” or “Arnold” loved all of his natural nephews
and nieces unconditionally. He also adopted so many others, who
weren’t always related, as his heart was big enough for all.
Mack was a member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Rifle,
Colorado. He supported the Garfield County Fair for most of his
later life. He was also a member of the Holy Cross Cattleman’s
Association for all of his ranching years.
In lieu of a funeral service and flowers Mack would have liked all
of us to “pay it forward”.
He loved and supported Emmanuel’s Youth Group. He prayed
for seeds planted and faith growing in the lives of young Christian
students. Donations can be made to “Emmanuel Lutheran Church
Youth Group” c/o Darla Mackley, PO Box 347 Rifle, CO 81650.
Being a Veteran and having a love for his Country and those
who also love, serve and protect it, he respected the “Tunnels to
Towers” organization, which honors Disabled Veterans and First
Responders. Donations can be made at “The Tunnels to Towers
Foundation” 2361 Hylan Blvd. Staten Island, NY 10306 - www.
t2t.org.
Another local foundation providing wilderness therapy for vets,
is Huts for Vets. www.hutsforvets.org.
He also had a love for his small town community and always
wanted to see it thrive. He supported the “New Ute Theatre Society”
Rifle’s Event Center, PO Box 84 Rifle, CO 81650 www.utetheatre.
com.
If there is another charity your heart supports then please pay it
forward in memory of Mack.
Not only near the end, but during his life, Mack had the most
caring and compassionate doctors and nurses. They all personally
and professionally advised and attended to him as if he was their
own father. They extended his life here on earth. Our family could
have not asked for more, and we thank them all for each part they
played. Through it all Mack would like to remind us, not to cry,
that he knew where he was going and just as Darleen said when she
kissed him the last time, “this is not goodbye. I will see you again”
