CATHERINE HAKOSpassed on June 18, 2023, after struggling 10 years with
dementia/Alzheimer’s Disease. He was 68 years old. He is survived by his spouse,
Deborah (Fisher) MacKinney; brother Thomas MacKinney (New York); cousins Susan, Diana
and Ken Thomas, and Phil Ralph.
Paul was born in Queens, NY on February 16, 1955, to Shirley (Ralph) and Clifton Harry
MacKinney. They moved to Kings Park, Long Island when he was a small child. He was a
boy scout and loved the outdoors. He collected beetles, tinkered with motors, rode
dirt bikes, and loved to take things apart to see how they worked. His desire for
sunny skies and adventure brought him to Arizona in the late 1970’s, when he packed
up his station wagon and drove to Tucson because “it seemed like a good place to
live.” He remained here, loving all the state had to offer—hiking, camping,
mountain biking, four-wheeling, white water rafting and cooling off in a mountain
stream.
Paul had a bold spirit as evidenced by many work experiences and hobbies, such as
starting a video dating service called “Breakthrough Introductions,” working in
Europe for several months, and installing a Chevy V-8 engine into his Toyota pickup
truck. He worked for 21 years at IBM in many capacities. In later years, he worked
as a handyman and groundskeeper and liked getting back to working with his hands and
being outdoors.
At times, Paul could be a little reckless and mischievous, and enjoyed being the life
of the party. He had a wicked wit that sparked belly-laughs and a knack at making
sound effects that ranged from unique to annoying to utterly realistic. He loved
music, especially the Beatles, and his final concert was Rolling Stones, which he
treasured. He was a terrible dancer but that didn’t stop him. He usually cried when
he heard bagpipes and loved to go to the Celtic festival, but was never brave enough
to try haggis. Other times, he was introverted and reflective, and chose to read and
write and draw elaborate plans for house or vehicle remodels. He probably missed his
calling to be an architect or work for a motor corporation.
Paul met his wife, Debbie, on a houseboat trip at Lake Powell. He used that wit and
sense of humor to win her heart, and persuaded her to leave Cleveland for warmer
weather. They recently celebrated their 30th anniversary. He had a deep love and
friendship with his in-laws, Ralph and Louise Fisher (Ohio). Debbie’s sister, Donna
Fisher, has four beautiful daughters, and he adored his nieces Carli Nation and Emily,
Hannah and Greta Snider. He spent countless hours playing with them and dispensing
wisdom.
dementia/Alzheimer’s Disease. He was 68 years old. He is survived by his spouse,
Deborah (Fisher) MacKinney; brother Thomas MacKinney (New York); cousins Susan, Diana
and Ken Thomas, and Phil Ralph.
Paul was born in Queens, NY on February 16, 1955, to Shirley (Ralph) and Clifton Harry
MacKinney. They moved to Kings Park, Long Island when he was a small child. He was a
boy scout and loved the outdoors. He collected beetles, tinkered with motors, rode
dirt bikes, and loved to take things apart to see how they worked. His desire for
sunny skies and adventure brought him to Arizona in the late 1970’s, when he packed
up his station wagon and drove to Tucson because “it seemed like a good place to
live.” He remained here, loving all the state had to offer—hiking, camping,
mountain biking, four-wheeling, white water rafting and cooling off in a mountain
stream.
Paul had a bold spirit as evidenced by many work experiences and hobbies, such as
starting a video dating service called “Breakthrough Introductions,” working in
Europe for several months, and installing a Chevy V-8 engine into his Toyota pickup
truck. He worked for 21 years at IBM in many capacities. In later years, he worked
as a handyman and groundskeeper and liked getting back to working with his hands and
being outdoors.
At times, Paul could be a little reckless and mischievous, and enjoyed being the life
of the party. He had a wicked wit that sparked belly-laughs and a knack at making
sound effects that ranged from unique to annoying to utterly realistic. He loved
music, especially the Beatles, and his final concert was Rolling Stones, which he
treasured. He was a terrible dancer but that didn’t stop him. He usually cried when
he heard bagpipes and loved to go to the Celtic festival, but was never brave enough
to try haggis. Other times, he was introverted and reflective, and chose to read and
write and draw elaborate plans for house or vehicle remodels. He probably missed his
calling to be an architect or work for a motor corporation.
Paul met his wife, Debbie, on a houseboat trip at Lake Powell. He used that wit and
sense of humor to win her heart, and persuaded her to leave Cleveland for warmer
weather. They recently celebrated their 30th anniversary. He had a deep love and
friendship with his in-laws, Ralph and Louise Fisher (Ohio). Debbie’s sister, Donna
Fisher, has four beautiful daughters, and he adored his nieces Carli Nation and Emily,
Hannah and Greta Snider. He spent countless hours playing with them and dispensing
wisdom.
