Obituary of Cecil Charles MacKay

Cecil Charles MacKay, 81, Maryvale, Antigonish County. It is with great sadness that our family announces the passing of our dearly loved husband, father and grandfather on July 4th, 2016, at St. Martha's Regional Hospital after a valiant struggle with Supra Nuclear Palsy (Progressive Parkinson’s Disease). Born February 23, 1935, in Keppoch, Antigonish Co. he was the son of the late John R. and Annabelle (Malcom) MacKay. At an early age Cecil moved to Livingstone's Cove where he grew up under the loving guidance of the late Joe Brown (and his wife Marie) who instilled in him his intense love of fishing and a deep and unwavering faith. Cecil is survived by his sister Marlene, and by brothers Dan and George. He was predeceased by sisters Mary Agnes and Betty and by brothers Felix, Garnet, John R., Eddie and Sandy. After marriage to his devoted wife Sally Ann (Wallace) on November 24, 1959, Cecil bought a nearby farm in Morar where he raised his family of five children, Gerard (Debbie), Allan (Karen), Sherry (Vincent), Mary Leigh (Rod) and the late Ruth Ann (the late Ronnie "Red" MacGillivary). He was predeceased by a son John Anthony who died in infancy. Always resourceful and multi-talented, Cecil spent many years as a painter foreman at StFX University. Cecil was a man of few words. His calm, somewhat reserved manner veiled the wit and keen sense of humor his family and close friends experienced with him. After retirement, Cecil could often be found at his favorite haunt, Dooley's, where he enjoyed a cold one in the company of his friends and with the kindness of staff. Cecil valued family and will be sadly missed by his wife of 56 years, Sally, his children and their partners, his grandchildren, Trevor, Justin, Melanie, Katelyn, Dylan, Kayleigh and great grand children, Paige, Riley and Oakley. The effects of Supra Nuclear Palsy (Progressive Parkinson’s Disease) did not take Cecil's independence but it did rob him of the ability to remain at home. For the past year Cecil had resided at the RK MacDonald nursing home where he received the kind and gentle care he required. Visitation 2-4 and 7-9 pm Wednesday, July 6 in MacIsaac Funeral Home, 61 Pleasant St., Antigonish. Funeral Mass 11:00 am Thursday in St. Georges Church, Georgeville, Rev. Evo DiPierro presiding. Burial in the parish cemetery. Donations to the RK Foundation or St. George's Parish Cemetery Fund.