SUPERINTENDENT DANIEL JOHN MAC KAY

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SUPERINTENDENT DANIEL JOHN MAC KAY Superintendent Daniel John Mac Kay, died peacefully in his sleep at Vernon Jubilee Hospital in Vernon, BC on August 4, 2016. Daniel was born in May, 1927 in Winnipeg, MB, where he continued to live until moving to Vernon, BC, 10 years ago. He was predeceased by his parents, Daniel Roderick Mac Kay and Marguerite Adele Josephine Mac Kay, and his brother James Henri Francis Mac Kay. He is survived by his wife of 69 years Audrey Mac Kay. He is survived by five children, Rev. Carmichael Mac Kay and wife Joyce of Winnipeg, Ian Mac Kay of Kelowna, Dr. Dianne Mac Kay and husband Dr. Mash Ameri of Houston, Texas, Ross Mac Kay of Winnipeg and Dr. Allan Mac Kay of Fort Wayne, Indiana. He has nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Dad had a passion for life, he was enthusiastic about his career, music, traveling, gardening and had a love for animals and nature. Following a long family tradition of farming, Dad and his mom moved from Winnipeg to Ninga, Manitoba and farmed from 1948 to 1952. With the loss of their home by fire they returned to Winnipeg. Dad had originally applied to the RCMP and was accepted, upon learning he was married, he was not allowed to join. He then applied to The Winnipeg Police Department and started a long career. He moved through the ranks as a Detective, then Detective Sargent, Sargent of Detectives, Inspector, Staff Inspector and Superintendent, the position he retired from after 33 years of service in 1987. In the late 1960s Dad bought the first family cottage at Long Lake, MB. The family spent holidays and many weekends enjoying the outdoors. Many friends came and joined the family there at different times. Just before retiring they expanded the cottage, which became known as the castle to the people in the area. After retirement Dad and Mom summered at Long Lake and were gone for the winter. They had the cottage until they moved to Vernon, BC. Dad loved music, and was an accomplished piper. He started playing with the Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders Cadets. When he joined the police department he played for The Winnipeg Police Pipe band and The Shriners Pipe Band. This included going to the Rose Bowl Parade in Pasedena, CA with the Massed Pipes & Drum from Winnipeg. Dad was commissioned to start the RCSCC Crusader Corps Pipe Band in 1961. In his time, he taught many young people and also adults to play the pipes. His legacy and passion for pipes lives on through the many students he mentored. Dad taught himself to play the accordion and Hammond organ, many evenings were spent with family and friends singing songs as Dad played. Dad was also a long time member of the Masons. Dad loved to travel. He and Mom traveled to more than 30 countries. He developed international friendships with wonderful memories and shared his adventures in his humorous manner. Despite his recent physical struggles, he remained to the end, a disciplined person who faced his death with the same dignity in which he lived his life. Although we can no longer share our lives with him, we will share our good memories of his life. Pallbearers will be Logan Mac Kay, Brian Mac Kay, Andy Bogdanovic, Cameron Ameri Sianaki, Dr. Mash Ameri and Malcolm Dawson. At Dad's request, Ian Dawson a long-time family friend will be playing the pipes. Funeral service will be held at Glen Eden Cemetery on Friday, August 12 at 2:00 p.m., 4477 Main St., West St. Paul, MB. Interment will follow the service. Refreshments and a light lunch will follow. Glen Eden Funeral Home & Cemetery 338-7111

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 11, 2016