Mackenzie Christian (Mac) Gillen passed away July 29, 2021 in Dallas after a lifelong battle with cystic fibrosis. He was 31. Service: A Mass of the Resurrection is set for 10 a.m. Monday, August 9 in Saint Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 5953 Bowman Roberts Road. A recitation of the Holy Rosary will commence at 9:30 a.m., just prior to the mass A graduate of Our Lady of Victory School, Nolan Catholic High School and Tarrant County College, Mac worked at the City of Arlington's Elzie Odom Recreation Center as a sport official. In 2011, he received a bi-lateral lung transplant that allowed him to enjoy a mostly unencumbered life. His passions included playing roller hockey, Notre Dame football, the Dallas Stars, watching Roger Federer on the tennis court and spending time with his nieces and nephews Reilly, Raegan, Elliette, Jackson, Jillian and Joseph. Blessed with a compassion for others with physical challenges-especially cystic fibrosis-Mac was an empathetic listener and offered advice and encouragement to other transplant and cancer patients. His wide network of friendships-forged through internet CF chat rooms and the hockey rink-was never more evident than after his death. The heartfelt tributes posted to Mac's Facebook page were overwhelming. To express love and sympathy, hockey teammates "left their sticks on the porch" to mourn his passing. He was gifted with a self-deprecating sense of humor and ability to make people laugh. Resilient and courageous especially in the final weeks of his illness, Mac loved life, his large, extended family and many friends. Survivors: He is survived by his parents, Kevin and Joan Gillen; brother and sister-in-law, Ryan and Renee Gillen; sister and brother-in-law, Caitlin and Saul Spykerman; brothers, Conor and Devin Gillen, as well as many aunts, uncles and cousins. Memorials: Suggested memorials include the Sisters of St. Mary of Namur in Fort Worth; Give Kids the World Village, a resort for critically ill children founded by a Holocaust survivor or the Cystic Fibrosis Lifestyle Foundation (CFLF) which provides sport and recreation grants to CF patients. Service Saint Thomas The Apostle Catholic Church 5953 BOWMAN ROBERTS RD Fort Worth, Texas 76179 ID ) ); ?>"> --> 817-624-2184 --> | Monday 8/9, 10:00 am A recitation of the Holy Rosary will commence at 9:30 a.m., just prior to the mass.