Longtime Albany lobbyist Bob Mackin published his first novel “Jackhammer” in 2013. His family plans to publish a posthumous espionage novel as a follow-up to the book. (Courtesy Bob Mackin)

Bob Mackin confers with Teresa Casey, whom he hired in 1997 and now is the principal for the lobbying, public affairs and association management firm now called Mackin & Casey in Albany. Mackin died this month at age 90.

Bob Mackin, far left, with staff members at Mackin & Casey at his Lancaster Street brownstone and office in Center Square. Mackin was reduced to a single room for his personal space as the firm grew to a dozen employees. He died this month at age 90.

ALBANY — Bob Mackin, who fashioned a million words on policy issues as a press officer for state officials across seven decades, died on Oct. 8 at age 90 in an assisted living facility in Connecticut after a series of health complications.

His longevity made him an Ironman of Flakdom.

Mackin had the final word by writing his own obituary, a three-page, single-spaced account that captured the sweep of an indefatigable wordsmith and world-class schmoozer.

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Mackin is not done, though. His family plans to publish a posthumous espionage novel — Mackin made recent pencil edits on the manuscript — as a follow-up to a World War II novel, “Jackhammer,” that he published in 2013.

“He was a good storyteller, and a gracious and appreciative writer to work with,” said Rob Brill, a retired Times Union editor who copy edited “Jackhammer.”

Mackin possessed a raconteur’s gift of gab and savoir faire mixed with a chameleonic charm. His professional life carried him between the private and public sectors, from New York to San Francisco, where he served as assistant commissioner at the California Department of Insurance. In 1985, he founded a lobbying, public affairs and association management company, now called Mackin & Casey.

Wherever he went, his nasally voice was all dropped “R”s and elongated........

© Times Union