HECTOR JOHN

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HECTOR JOHN MacKAY Peacefully, on November 21, 2003, one day after his 80th birthday, Hector John MacKay passed away, following a long struggle with diabetes. Hector was predeceased by his father Robert; mother Rosabel and brother George. He will be sadly missed by friend and companion, Margaret; dear friends, David and Ken; and by several cousins and numerous friends. Hector was born in Transcona, a place he loved and where he lived and worked his entire life. Growing up in the 30s, money was scarce but Hector had fond memories of a carefree boyhood - going tobogganing with his dad and brother every Sunday in winter, hunting birds in the prairie, summers at the family "camp" in the Whiteshell and spending hours with "the gang." He also often mentioned the wonderful times he had and friends he made at Pala Camp in Minaki in his young, adult years. When Hec was old enough, he joined the Cameron Cadets in Winnipeg, which opened up a whole new world for him. He developed a strong sense of service to the community, which he carried out through membership in the Kinsmen Club and the Masons. Hectors one regret was that he was not allowed to serve overseas (due to health reasons). He never forgot or ceased to appreciate the memories of his many friends that lost their lives fighting for our country. Hector was proud of his Scottish roots and was a drummer in various pipe bands, cutting a fine figure of his Kilt! Hector started his working career with the CNR and stayed with them until his retirement in 1980. He made lasting friendships with many of his coworkers and had wonderful memories of practical jokes and fun which lightened up the long hard hours of a working day. In his adult years, Hec travelled to Europe, which included visiting family in England and Scotland, and he also made many trips to see the bright lights of Vegas and all that comes with it. He also enjoyed his yard work, hunting, walking, going to the track, as well as enjoying his solitary times. In most recent years, when his health was failing, Hec got enjoyment from perusing his newspaper along with his delicious first coffee of the day; he enjoyed the company of friends, basking in the sunlight on his back patio as he watered the garden, and watching TV., especially the news, travel and history programs. Hector was a warm, kind hearted person with a soft spot for animals and children. He was friendly and generous and always had a joke to share with anyone he encountered. He would want to express his thanks and appreciation for the professional care he received from Dr. G. Louridas, Dr. C. Rigatto, Dr. S. Rosser and Dr. L. Wozney over the years, also to the Homecare staff and to the volunteers who delivered his Meals on Wheels. Their daily chats were a bright spot in his day. Thank you to the staff of Concordia Hospital for your care and compassion during Hectors last days. Flowers gratefully declined. If you wish, you can make a donation to one of Hectors favourite charities, The Mennonite Central Committee or the Winnipeg Humane Society. Funeral service, together with a Masonic service, will be held on Tuesday, November 25 at 1:30 p.m., at the Transcona Memorial United Church, 209 Yale Ave. West with Rev. Jeff Cook officiating. Interment to follow at Kildonan Presbyterian Cemetery. Transcona Funeral Chapel in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 24, 2003