The Community Foundation of Kawartha Lakes is honoured to announce the establishment of the Linden Mackey Legacy Fund, created to celebrate and continue the extraordinary spirit of community leadership embodied by Linden Mackey.

A beloved funeral director, devoted family man, and respected community leader, Linden Mackey touched countless lives with his kindness, humility, and unwavering dedication to serving others. The outpouring of love and respect following his sudden passing in May 2025 is a testament to the profound impact he had on the City of Kawartha Lakes and beyond.

The Linden Mackey Legacy Fund will recognize and celebrate individuals, community groups, and organizations who go above and beyond to make a positive impact in their communities. Through the annual Linden Lighthouse Legacy Award, the fund 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.

Beginning in 2026, this special award will be featured as part of the Lindsay and District Chamber of Commerce's Annual Awards Gala, one of the region’s most prestigious celebrations of business and community excellence. By including the Linden Lighthouse Legacy Award in this event, the community will come together each year to honour Linden’s memory and recognize those who carry forward his spirit of service and leadership.

“We are deeply humbled by the outpouring of support, compassion, and immeasurable kindness our family has received from the community since Linden’s sudden passing. This has been an overwhelmingly difficult time for us, but acts of generosity made in Linden’s memory offer strength and a sense of hope for the days ahead. 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. Thank you,” shares Stephanie Mackey, Linden’s wife.

“We are pleased to be able to work with the Community Foundation of Kawartha Lakes and the Lindsay + District Chamber of Commerce to establish the Linden Mackey Legacy Fund and Linden Lighthouse Award. 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,” says Ted Hill, representing friends of Linden.

Left - Ted Hill, Laurie Dillon-Schalk, Ellen Mackay, Stephanie Mackey, Mike Puffer

“Linden was the kind of leader who quietly inspired others through his everyday acts of kindness and generosity,” says Mike Puffer, Board Member of the Community Foundation of Kawartha Lakes. “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.”

“The establishment of this fund is a beautiful way to honour Linden’s life and values,” says Mark Knoester, Chair of the Board of the Community Foundation of Kawartha Lakes. “Linden believed deeply in the power of community and in lifting others up. This fund ensures that his light will continue to guide and inspire future generations.”

Community members are invited to honour Linden’s legacy by contributing to the fund, supporting the next generation of local leaders who embody his kindness and dedication.

For more information about the Linden Mackey Legacy Fund or to make a donation, please visit https://bit.ly/LindenMackeyLegacyFund or contact info@kawarthafoundation.ca.

To learn more about the Kawartha Community Foundation, visit https://www.kawarthafoundation.ca/. More information about the Lindsay and District Chamber of Commerce can be found at https://www.lindsaychamber.com/.

New Linden Mackey Legacy Fund celebrates outstanding community leadership