In 1966 Mac purchased his father's farm in northern Waipu and the neighbouring farm in partnership with his brother Alex. The farm is today run by Mac and Sheila's daughter Catherine, son Carl and their spouses.
Mac excelled in dairy industry politics, becoming a director of the Mid Northland Co-operative Dairy Company in 1970 and joining the NZ Dairy Board in 1979.
The board controlled all New Zealand dairy exports and Mac's particular sphere of administration was Southeast Asia.
He was among the country's top dairying leaders during the turbulent period up to the close of last century when little dairy companies disappeared in a wave of amalgamations, his retirement coming before the Dairy Board merged in 2001 with the two largest New Zealand dairy co-operatives representing 96 per cent of the industry to form GlobalCo, later renamed Fonterra.
Along with being a director of the Dairy Board for 17 years - recognised when he was made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit - he was on the Milk Board for eight years and Meat Board for three years.
He also served on many local committees, helped build the Waipu Rugby Club rooms, had an administrative role with the Otamatea Repertory Theatre and aided the production of the first Waipu Pageant.
Mac was a devoted family man, involved with his children, taking them on holidays and taking a close interest in their development.
Following his stroke 11 years ago he remained in his Waipu home cared for by Sheila, who said among the compliments paid to Mac since his death someone had commented that for such a clever person he was very uncomplicated.
"He had no airs or graces at all. He was interested in everyone.
"For him everyone had a story to tell," she said.
Mac died peacefully at home surrounded by his family. He is survived by Sheila, his children Catherine, Carl and Shirley, six grandchildren and a great-grandson.
