Vale Alister (Ally) MacKay

Pictured (above right) with the late John Cripps AO holding the original patents of the Pink Lady and Sundowner.  Ally, a horticultural advisor, was employed as one of original team members of the Department of Agriculture's apple breeding program.  The program, under the lead of renowned Apple Breeder John Crips, created and introduced the world to the Pink Lady®  (Cripps Pink) and Sundowner® (Cripps Red).  The Pink Lady was the first apple in the world to be trademarked and was named after a cocktail.  Both Cripps apples were born and bred in Western Australia.  Ally was integral in the brand development of the Pink Lady in its formative years.

Local WA storyteller, author and friend Jon Doust provided Pomewest with some further words to acknowledge his passing...

In a 1994 document, Alistair Mackay is referred to as the “master of superlatives”. There is no doubt, by many accounts, that the Pink Lady launch into the world apple marketplace had much to do with the creativity, a willingness to think outside the normal boundaries, and the passion and persistence of Mackay.

Following a trip to the UK in 1993, he said on Perth radio that the Lady was at the top of the apple tree and that it’s distinctive colour and taste “created a new depth of flavour and that's what the market has been looking for”.  He added that WA would never again have a product as good as the Pink Lady. MacKay should be remembered for his contributions to the world of apples and, in particular, to the WA apple industry. Jon Doust

The Service to Celebrate the Life of Mr Ally Mackay of Kardinya will take place in our Chapel at 312 South Street, Hilton at 2:00pm on WEDNESDAY (08.03.23). Family has asked to please wear a touch of pink in memory of Ally. A Private Cremation will take place at a later time.