Alexander “Scott” MacKinlay
Passed 06/25/2025
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Obituary For Alexander “Scott” MacKinlay
Alexander “Scott” MacKinlay Jr. 90, of Rockland went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday June 25, 2025. He was the son of the late Alexander and Mary (Neilson) MacKinlay. Hewas born in Quincy, grew up in Hough’s Neck, MA and was enormously proud of his Scottish heritage.
Scott was the beloved husband of the late Sally W. MacKinlay. He was the loving father of Lisa Byrne and her husband Walter of Rockland, Glenn MacKinlay and his wife Cynthia of Norwell, and Jill Matson and her husband John of Rockland. Dear brother of Helen Miller. He was predeceased by his sister Anne Baxendale.
He was the cherished grandfather of Kaitlin Healy, Kristina Healy, Lisa Daniels, Brian Byrne, Andrew MacKinlay, Meredith MacKinlay, Harrison MacKinlay, Julia Matson, Lily Matson and two great granddaughters Charlotte and Freya Daniels. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and dear friends.
Lieutenant Scott MacKinlay served his country in Germany for two years after completing his Baccalaureate Degree in Education from Boston University. He began his teaching career in Jaffrey, NH before starting teaching at Rockland High School in 1959. He graduated from Bridgewater State College with a Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration in 1965 and a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies from Northeastern University in 1976. He served in many volunteer positions including President of the Mass State Coaches Association, founding member of the Rockland Youth Commission, Chairman of the Eastern Mass and State Basketball Tournament, President of the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association, and many more. He taught science, physical education, coached basketball and was athletic director prior to being named principal of Rockland High School in 1969, a position he held until he retired in 1995. He remained a ‘Bulldog’ for life.
In 1996, Scott became a founding member of the Rockland Education Foundation, an organization that provides funding to educators allowing them to enrich the educational experiences of Rockland students. His decades long involvement with the Foundation was rooted in one core concept, his deep love and commitment to the students and Town of Rockland.
Scott was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Rockland since moving to Rockland, serving as a deacon for many years.
Scott loved being on the ocean and spent hours with his young family fishing, water skiing and enjoying the area harbors. Later, sailing became his true passion. He, Sally and their black lab, Maddie sailed to destinations from Maine to Nantucket. He spent countless hours with family and friends on his sailboat Diamond Days and later Rejoice, sharing his love of the ocean.
As a physical educator, Scott felt it was important to stay active and enjoyed golfing, camping, gardening and tried his hand at just about every sport along the way. His garden was enviable and he shared the produce with many.
His family was the love of his life. Whether attending his grandchildren’s sporting events, gathering by the pool for celebrations or taking all seventeen family members on a Bermuda cruise for his 50th wedding anniversary or to Disney World, he thrived in the company of his children and grandchildren.
Visiting hours will be held on Monday July 7th from 4:00PM to 7:00PM at the Magoun Biggins Funeral Home, 135 Union Street, Rockland, MA. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday July 8th at 10:00AM at the First Baptist Church, 200 Union Street, Rockland, MA. Burial will be at the Blue Hills Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Rockland Education Foundation, P.O. Box 764, Rockland, MA 02370. https://rocklandeducationfoundation.org/donations/.
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Condolences
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07/17/2025
Marcia Manning
Sorry to hear of Mr. MacKinlay's death. He was principal when my three daughters were at Rockland High School. I remember as a kind and gracious man and a very effective principal. Rockland was lucky to have him.
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07/08/2025
Kevin Condon
Thank you Mr. MacKinlay! Kevin Condon, class of 1984.
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07/08/2025
Rosemary Sheehan
Scott was ever so kind to me at First Baptist Church. He was one of my guiding lights in times of trouble. He will be missed by so many folks. Rest in Peace Scott.
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07/07/2025
Robin McGowan
We were so lucky to pass through the sphere of Mr. MaKinlay's influence. I suppose every class is convinced that their time at RHS were the golden years but we knew that A. Scott (you have to be more than 4 decades away from graduation to use his first name I think) led a team of committed educators who were passionate about student success. He understood the importance of arts, home skills, sports and the radio station as anchors that kept so many engaged. He gifted so many with his service to others and inspired generations to live their lives with integrity. We were lucky indeed. Robin Paulding McGowan
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07/05/2025
Curt Slocum
Mr. MacKinlay was a solid, calming presence in the lives of students, faculty, staff and the community at large and we were fortunate to have him during some of the most turbulent times in our town and country. He was a man who taught lessons that endured. He earned respect by example. God, county and family were his foundation- I thought of him often over the past 50 years in gratitude. Curt Slocum Class of 72
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07/04/2025
Mary
I remember Scott from Rockland Baptist church. When Pastor Jay had Saturday night activities. He was a very kind and genuine man..He would take time to speak everyone including my Aunt Marjorie with memory issues. She enjoyed the hymns and coffee hour. He told me I was a saint for caring for my Aunt. Mary
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07/01/2025
Jim & Donna Bailey
Words of remembrance spoken at last Friday's Rockland Education Foundation golf tournament ... "Scott MacKinlay passed away earlier this week and is now with his beloved Sally. As many of you know, Scott adopted Rockland as his hometown. He was a teacher, coach, principal, mentor and friend. He was a founding member of the REF and its President for over twenty years! His passion for education was directed at the school children of Rockland. Scott was a force that cannot be replaced." Rest in Peace, our friend Jim & Donna Bailey
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06/30/2025
Ken Leer
So sorry to hear of the lost of A Scott. He was such a inspiration for Rockland High School and the town of Rockland.. He was my mentor and was so influential in my development of my professional career. Sincerely Ken Leer
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06/30/2025
Wilfred Genest
Mr MacKinlay, thanks for the memory.
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06/30/2025
JOHN GRANT SANFORD FLA
MR MACKINLAY was my gym teacher he taught me and inspired me he was the best JOHN GRANT class of 64'
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06/29/2025
John J. Randolph
I came to Rockland in 1962 from Brighton as an eleventh grade student when I joined RHS and I was immediately impressed with Mr. MacKinlay's fierce loyalty to his school and community and his seriousness and sternness, yet at the same time, he also possessed a warmth and was approachable. Twenty-nine years later I was working as the Director of the Casablanca American School in Casablanca, Morocco undergoing accreditation with New England Association of Schools and Colleges awaiting a pre visitation when I was informed that I was due for a surprise. Just prior to his visit to Casablanca, I was informed that A. Scott MacKinlay would be coming. I couldn't have been more surprised nor thrilled upon receiving this information. I was most fortunate to have him as an experienced and dedicated educator and administrator as we went through the accreditation process. He was surprised and proud that an RHS alumni had been working in international education for almost twenty years by that time and was a director of an international school, which he was instrumental in building. We shared lots of stories, became close friends and he involved me in his Educational Foundation work. He was a staunch supporter of the community and he was passionate about his support and work with METCO (Metropolitan Council for Educational Opportunity) a voluntary desegregation project by assisting inner city youths with the opportunity to explore and be exposed to a new educational and social environment at Rockland schools. I admired Mr. MacKinlay's directness, toughness, his moral and ethical core and his devotion to his wife, Sally, who he brought to Casablanca on a quick visit from their travels through Spain. Our country could use many more A. Scott MacKinlays.
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06/29/2025
Sandra OConnor
As my principal and my friend he always had my back at RHS. Because of his support I spent 38 years as a teacher and guidance counselor at RHS. May you rest in peace and know how much influence you have had on so many lives. Sandra OConnor
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06/28/2025
Paul “ Butch” Connor
In a world composed of Givers or Takers, Mr MacKinlay was the ultimate GIVER. Thank you Coach, for your care, leadership, life lessons and genuine Tough Love. I needed it all. Butch Connor
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06/27/2025
Robert D. Keane
Mr. MacKinlay, you certainly lived a full, long, and productive life. I remember first meeting you at age 8 in the Summer of 1965, where you were a "Counselor/Mentor" at The Rockland Park. It was also during this time that my brother, Michael, and my two sisters, Maureen & Diane, attended RHS. This gave me a little insight as to what to expect when I entered RHS in 1971. A very special memory was when The Rockland Bulldogs Basketball Team won the State Championship in 1972. Although you were not in the direct capacity of Basketball Coach, I feel that your experience and wisdom was influential in this win, along with the guidance of Mr. Fisher and Mr. Sangster. You didn't say it, but the nonverbal vibes certainly showed your well-earned pride. You were firm, but fair, and one knew where they stood with you. As a Retired Military Veteran, I thank you for your service. (Now I see where you garnered the demeanor). When my family suffered the heartbreaking and irrevocable loss of my brother Mike, who was a well-known and revered Marine Artist, your attendance at his wake spoke volumes, and I have never forgotten that. You were a credit unto yourself, The Military, your family, RHS, and much more. RIP, Sir.
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06/27/2025
Robert D. Keane
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06/27/2025
Caroline Umbrianna Goode
Scott was my principal when I graduated (Class of '65) and saved me from a mean and wacky English teacher. Then a colleague when I became a teacher in Rockland. He was a true gentleman and role model, one who leaves a legacy of dedication and love for Rockland and its students. Rest in Peace, my friend.
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06/27/2025
Carol Bird Lagana
Thank you, Mr. MacKinley, for your kindness to me, for not comparing me to my other siblings and seeing in me my own unique abilities! Thank you for all you have done for the students and families of Rockland! You will not be forgotten! My love and sympathy to your family and friends! Rest in Peace!!
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06/27/2025
Ellen Harris
I'm so sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Mackinlay. To me he was bigger than life, He was a teacher when I was a student, he took a chance on me for my first art teaching job as my principal, he treated everyone with respect (even my dad who was an occasional golf buddy 😉 and he continued to support the students of Rockland in his retirement. My condolences to his family.
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06/26/2025
Rae Ann Walker Thompson
My condolences to his family and friends. I will always remember his smile, good advice and compassion given to me in high school. RIP sir.
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06/26/2025
Grace Urbaitis Trinkl
Our "A Scott" was SUCH a wonderful man...kind, conversational, invested in the well-being of his staff and of the many thousands of students at RHS. "Well-done, good and faithful servant." What an amazing life he lived. May the entire MacKinlay family, all his friends and neighbors and the entire educational community find comfort in their many, many love-filled memories. Bless you, Mr MacKinlay. 💙🤍💙🤍💙 The Urbaitis Family Formerly of Rockland
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06/26/2025
Joan Domigan Wentz
A. Scott as most of us in the RHS class of 1964 referred to him as was so influential in coaching our senior basketball team to the state finals. We were so proud of that. He is fondly remembered as a mentor and a teacher.
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06/26/2025
Rena Shea
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of my colleague and friend. Scott and I shared many wonderful years as educators in Rockland. I am sure he will Rest In Peace.
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06/26/2025
Catherine E Muscato
Scott was a happy, friemdly, caring, smiling guy. Always giving advice to my three brothers and I as we played High School Basketball. Lots of memories Scott, you will n be missed by all the hearts you touched! 🙏🙏❤️
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06/26/2025
Roseann potter
I'm so sorry for the loss of this wonderful man He was my principal at RH Always a dignified man with the courage to speak his mind.. The world is a little more empty.. Roseann Potter
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06/26/2025
Marilyn Clawson
So sorry to hear of Mr. MacKinlay's passing. My late mother, Mary DiRado, worked for him for many years at Rockland High School. After his retirement, he and Sally would take mom to lunch or stop by for a visit and he would occasionally call me to offer his memories of my mom after she passed away I should add, she always called him Mr. MacKinley❤️🙏Fondly, Marilyn (DiRado) Clawson.
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