Florida Bids Farewell to Former Governor Buddy MacKay
In a moment of profound loss for the people of Florida, former Governor Buddy MacKay passed away at the age of 91. Taking a nap at his home in Ocklawaha after lunch, MacKay never woke, leaving peacefully surrounded by his adult children. His son, Ken MacKay, described it as a “very peaceful end to a great life.”
MacKay served as a beacon of Democratic leadership in Florida, holding numerous offices including U.S. Congressman, state legislator, and diplomat. Despite losing the gubernatorial election in 1998 to Jeb Bush, he stepped into the role of governor following the sudden demise of Gov. Lawton Chiles, serving 23 days in office. Throughout his political career, MacKay was an ardent defender of Florida’s environment and a tireless advocate for minorities.
MacKay’s Legacy in Florida Politics
1. MacKay’s Time as Governor: Following the sudden death of Gov. Chiles, MacKay was thrust into the governor’s role. He had been Chiles’ lieutenant governor for two terms, and despite his election loss to Bush, he stepped in to finish Chiles’ term. During his brief time in office, he focused on overseeing the final transition to Bush’s administration. His dedication to the role, despite its temporary nature, was a testament to his commitment to public service.
2. MacKay’s Political Career: MacKay had an extensive political career. He served in the Florida Legislature and the U.S. House of Representatives. In 1990, he convinced Chiles, a retired U.S. Senator, to run for governor against incumbent Republican Bob Martinez. The Chiles-MacKay team won that November and again in 1994. Despite losing each of his three statewide runs, MacKay maintained a quiet sense of humor, once joking that he left politics because voters got “sick and tired” of him.
3. MacKay’s Post-Political Life: After politics, MacKay served as a special envoy to Latin America for President Bill Clinton. He stayed supportive of Clinton when many Democrats distanced themselves during the Monica Lewinsky scandal. In his later years, he did pro bono work for the Southern Legal Counsel and served as a mediator in the juvenile court system.
Remembering Buddy MacKay
MacKay was born Kenneth H. MacKay Jr. on March 22, 1933, in Ocala. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force from 1955 to 1958, which radically changed his views on race and desegregation. After leaving the service, he became an attorney and citrus grower before entering politics.
In his final years, MacKay lived with his wife, Anne, on Lake Weir. He was active in his church, enjoyed tending to his camellias, and cherished time spent on their family farm. Despite the challenges and losses he faced in his political career, MacKay will be remembered as a man who served his state and country with honor and distinction. His unwavering dedication to Florida’s environment and minority communities leaves a lasting legacy for future generations.
