Maletira “Mac” Machayya died January 17, 2026, at Eventide in Fargo, ND. There will be a celebration of life Friday, January 30, from 1 pm to 3 pm at West Funeral Home, West Fargo, ND. A private inurnment ceremony will take place at Gethsemane Episcopal Cathedral, Fargo.
Maletira Ganapathy Machayya, the son of Dr. Maletira and Bollamma Ganapathy Machayya, was born February 10, 1937, in Madikeri, India. He earned his medical degree from Madras Medical College, India, in 1960. He completed a General Surgery Residency at Furness General Hospital, Barrow-in-Furness, England, in 1969, and Urology Residency at Preston Royal Infirmary, Preston, England, in 1971. While in England, he became a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons. He completed a rotating internship at Illinois General Hospital in Chicago, Illinois, in 1972.
Mac married Margaret “Maggie” Burns in 1971 in Barrow-in-Furness, England. In 1972, Mac, Maggie, and newborn son Mark moved to Valley City, North Dakota, where Mac began a distinguished career as a general surgeon. There, they raised their family and made lifelong friends. Mac served the community for many years at Mercy Hospital and Meritcare Clinic, which later became Sanford Clinic. His dedication to patient care earned him the respect and gratitude of countless individuals and families throughout the region.
In his free time, you would find Mac working on a new project around the house, woodworking and creating stained glass art. Mac was also a member of The Lions Club in Valley City. Many memorable summers were spent with family and friends at the cabin on Lake Eunice in Minnesota. Maggie passed away in 2005. In 2013, Mac moved to Fargo to be closer to his family.
He is survived by his three sons, Mark (Katie) with grandchildren Makayla, Dakota, and Memphis, Bemidji, MN; Kevin (Jamie) with grandchildren Josie and Gaby, West Fargo; and Jon (Jill) with grandchildren Ellie, Lincoln, and Vera, West Fargo; sister-in-law June Burns, Barrow-in-Furness, England; and extended family in England and India.
He was preceded in death by his wife; his parents; Maggie’s parents, Edward and Frances Burns; brother Devaiah Ganapathy; sister Maletira Sushiela; and brother-in-law Antony Burns.
Mac’s family is appreciative of the care received from Eventide and HIA Hospice.
In lieu of flowers memorials preferred to Sanford Health Foundation or CHI Mercy Health Foundation Valley City.
Arrangements by West Funeral Home, West Fargo.