David Alexander MacKay

MacKay, David Alexander - Dave went home to be with his Lord and Saviour on November 10, 2018 from the Kings Way Care Centre with his family at his side.

Dave, the son of the late Robert Sr. and Elizabeth (Robinson) MacKay, was born in New Jerusalem, NB on April 26, 1928. He was the first natural born Canadian citizen in his family, born less than three weeks after the family arrived via the ship, S.S. Athenia from Ireland.  Unfortunately his mother passed away when Dave was only two years old.  His father took charge by raising the family along with working the family farm.  The older siblings all lent a hand and David grew up with a deep bond to his immediate family members.  This was the beginning of a theme that would follow him through his life. 

Dave became a single parent himself and after a time he married Donna Hatfield (March 1976) and joined their two families.  In 1977 the final member, Heather Dawn arrived making the family complete. It was a full house and Dave was proud of all of his children.  He also took great joy in the bevy of grandchildren he was blessed with.  The accomplishments of the younger generation reflect the heritage of hard work and family pride that Dave felt.  His legacy includes several university degrees, masters, and a doctorate.  Some have gone on to be leaders in their respective fields on a world wide level and top notch health care providers.  Dave would be sorry to be missing the accomplishments still to come from the younger grandchildren.  We do know that regardless of where their futures take them Dave would have been proud of their achievements.   His family will always feel his loss.

One of the many gifts that Dave gave to each of his children was a love of Canada.  He made sure that each of them had a personal knowledge of the variety and immensity of our nation.  This entailed many trips cross country while he enjoyed the sounds of Wilf Carter.  This time spent in close quarters, in the family vehicle pulling a trailer,  provided the family with many treasured memories and the ability to yodel.  Dave and Donna continued their love of travelling together, exploring the northern areas of Canada and Alaska.

Dave’s relationship with Christ was important to him and he manifested that through a dedication to the local church.  He was a long time member of Central Baptist Church, now known as Cornerstone Baptist. He also attended Forest Hills Baptist Church for several years.  He served in many functions within his local fellowship, on the trustee board, camp cook and nursery worker just to name a few.   

Dave had a long and varied work history all of which contributed to the man he was. In Dave’s earlier years he worked at Lee’s Brick Yard, MacKay Forest Products, and for Courtenay Concrete.  He then purchased a milk route and became a milk man for Kingshurst Dairies. In 1968 Dave founded Dave’s Electric Appliance Repairs.  This business has become an fixture of the Saint John landscape.  The business is now owned by his son Steven and son-in-law, Grant.  Ever the business man, Dave and Donna owned and operated D & D Appliance Parts from 1992 until his retirement in 1999.  Dave’s face is a well known one in the city of Saint John whether it was bringing the daily milk or coming to your rescue when your stove quit on Thanksgiving. People were always happy to see him at their door.

David is survived by his wife Donna (Hatfield) MacKay; sons Steven MacKay (Cindy) of Quispamsis; Walker Clark (Stacey-Lynne) of Saint John; daughters Barbara Denton (Dayle) of Invermere, BC;  Gwen Todd (Bill) of Saint John;  Karen Neilson (Grant) of Rothesay; Barbara Beck (David), Sue Allen and Heather Follett (Stephen) all of Saint John; 17 Grandchildren; Kelly, Mark (MacKay);  Hannah, Kate (Clark) ; Luke,  Erin (Denton); Krista, Adam, wife Shannon (Todd); Alex, wife Emma, Morgan, Andrew (Neilson); Matt, Tim (Beck); Mackenzie, Isaac (Allen); Darla, and Courtney (Follett); 5 great-grandchildren; Dominic, Ashlynne, Violet, Lydia, and Seamus.  Several nieces, nephews and brother in law, Larry Hatfield (Joanne) of Kingston NB.  David was the last surviving member of his immediate family; along with his parents, he was predeceased by his brothers  Robert MacKay Jr.; James MacKay; sisters Mary Lourie, Sarah Mitchell, Anne Hawkes, Betty Fulton, Evelyn Jones, Lizzie Mackay (in infancy) and Gordon MacKay (in infancy); and grandson Warner Clark.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Fundy Funeral Home, 230 Westmorland Road (646-2424) with visitation on Tuesday November 13th from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m.  Funeral service will be held from the Fundy Funeral Home Chapel on Wednesday November 14th, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. followed by a reception.  Interment to follow at Ocean View Memorial Gardens. Donations in Dave’s memory can be made to Kings Way Care Centre or to the charity of the donor’s choice.

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