Spirited Fundraiser Held In Memory Of Slain Deputy Jeremiah MacKay

COLTON (CBSLA.com) — Friends threw a spirited fundraiser Saturday evening -- complete with bagpipes and Guinness beer -- to help the family of slain deputy Jeremiah MacKay.

Friend Yara Alvares organized the fundraiser at her bar, Liam's Irish Pub, where MacKay and his wife were regulars. She remembered that MacKay was "never sad. He was always happy."

MacKay was killed in the line of duty in a shootout with former LAPD officer Christopher Dorner.

Alvares told KCAL9's Brittney Hopper that ten percent of the proceeds from tonight's sales of food and liquor would go to the MacKay family.

MacKay was a 15-year veteran of the department. He left behind a wife and two small children.

His wife is still too distraught to speak about his death.

"He had a big laugh, he would laugh and joke. He was fun to be around, " said Alvares.

Since his death, his friends have held several fundraisers in his honor.

"The outcry from the public and the letters of appreciation and condolences that have have been pouring in, have been phenomenal," said family friend Ken Jamison.

Friends are planning to start a trust for MacKay's two children, as well.