Christopher Brent MacKay

Christopher Brent MacKay, a gentle giant with a huge heart and generous soul, passed away on November 17, 2024, following a tragic fall at his home. Chris returned to his Heavenly Father the day before his 55th birthday and the following day his beloved father, David Brent MacKay, succumbed to cancer. Chris lived a life filled with love, adventure, and deep commitment to his faith and to those he loved. Chris was a giver whose love language was gift-giving, and whose generosity knew no bounds. He had an infectious sense of humor and a larger-than-life presence, never allowing facts to interfere with a good story. Standing ten inches taller than his father and fourteen inches taller than his mother, Chris’s physical stature was emblematic of his character. Those who knew him best remember Chris’s warmth, compassion, and unwavering loyalty. Born in Salt Lake City, Utah on November 18, 1969, Chris’s early years were filled with adventure. As a child, Chris’s happiest moments were with his parents and two younger sisters, Sara and Joanna, on family getaways. He loved water-skiing on Lake Powell, snow skiing in Utah’s high mountains, and fly-fishing on Silver Creek near Sun Valley, Idaho. As a teenager, Chris earned his Eagle Scout award. From his early years on Glenmare Street, to his teenage years on Hillside Lane, Chris attracted a large group of loyal friends who remained close to him throughout his entire life. His adventurous spirit, combined with his unshakeable faith, set the foundation for a life filled with purpose and passion. A devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Chris served a two-year mission in Rome, Italy, where he shared his love for the gospel and touched the lives of many. He felt deeply that God had trusted him with an important work, and he carried that trust with humility and optimism. Chris’s early education in Salt Lake City, Utah, took him through Evergreen Jr. High and Olympus High School, where he was a proud member of the varsity basketball team and a founding member of the Study Group. After attending the University of Utah, his interests extended beyond academics to a lifelong fascination with politics. He worked alongside Doug Foxley as a lobbyist assistant, and his involvement in local and national campaigns was extensive. Chris was the Utah state campaign coordinator for Senator Bob Dole’s presidential bid and later served as Chief of Staff to Congressman Chris Cannon. The last 20 years of his career were spent as a Vice President of Federal Government Affairs for Verizon and in private practice with the Bennett Group. While Chris’s life was filled with exciting accomplishments, true fulfillment came from the family he built with his beloved wife, Rebecca Osborn. Chris deeply loved Rebecca. She was the light of his life, and they complemented each other perfectly. Their marriage in the Salt Lake Temple was the foundation upon which they built their lives together. Chris adored Rebecca, and his love for her was evident to all who knew them. Chris and Rebecca were blessed with two sons, Warren and James, whose accomplishments brought Chris immeasurable pride and joy. There was no greater pleasure in Chris’s life than watching his sons grow and thrive, whether they were playing basketball, lacrosse, or swimming. Chris could not help but share every detail of their lives with anyone who would listen. To see Warren and James was to see the essence of Chris reflected in the next generation—a testament to the man he is and was. Though Chris passed far too young, his family takes comfort in their faith in Jesus Christ and the knowledge that they are sealed together for eternity. They also find peace in the love and support they have received during this difficult time, especially from their friends in the McLean Ward and community, who provided care and comfort in countless ways during Chris’s hospital stay. Chris is survived by his wife, Rebecca, and their sons, Warren and James. He is also survived by his mother, Jane White MacKay, his sisters, Sara Jane Adamson and Joanna MacKay Sloan, many in-laws and other extended family members, and numerous friends who will miss him dearly. While the world has lost a giant in Chris MacKay, his legacy of love, generosity, and faith will live on in all those who had the privilege of knowing him. The MacKay family is eternally grateful for the kindness and support of their friends and community during this challenging time and invites all those who loved Chris to join them in celebrating his life. Services will be held on Saturday, November 23, 2024, with a Visitation from 10:30-11:45 AM and the Funeral at 12:00 PM, at the McLean Ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2034 Great Falls St., Falls Church, VA 22043. A joint celebration for Chris and his father’s lives will be held on Tuesday, November 26, 2024. A visitation will begin at 10:30 AM with Funeral Services starting at 12:30 PM at the East Mill Creek 2nd Ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 3750 South Hillside Ln., Salt Lake City, UT 84109.

Christopher Brent MacKay

November 18, 1969 - November 17, 2024