Andrew McKay
Born In: Lingan, Nova Scotia, Canada
Passed in: New Waterford, Nova Scotia, Canada
Passed on: February 11th, 2012
It is with sadness that we, the family, announce the passing of Andrew McKay, 88, of New Waterford on Feb. 11, 2012, at home.
Born in Lingan, he was a son of the late Edward and Mary Ellen McKay.
Andrew was a member of the former St. Michael’s Church, River Ryan, currently the Parish Church of St. Leonard. He was a veteran of the Second World War with the First Airborne Paratroopers from 1939-45. Andrew worked in #12 Colliery for 28 years until he lost both legs in a mining accident on March 9, 1971. After less than one year in rehabilitation, he learned to walk on prosthesis thus maintaining his independence for many years through sheer stubborness and faith. He was a devout Catholic who never spoke a bad word about anyone.
Andrew was a generous man who gave selflessly and quietly to various charities, never once looking for recognition. Through the Children’s Christian Fund, Andrew was able to help a foster child and the two remained in touch throughout the years. He enjoyed shopping and going for Chinese food every Saturday and on Sunday, he would never miss church. Even on those days he couldn’t leave his home, he would watch Mass for Shut-ins. Andrew loved playing crib and doing crossword puzzles and was especially fond of his cat, ‘Big Kitty’. He was a family man who, in younger years, loved playing hockey and baseball with his children and the neighbourhood kids. He was also an avid sports fan whose favourite team was the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Andrew died in his sleep with his angel on earth holding his hand; his daughter, Glenda.
Surviving are daughters, Novena (Dougie) Wilcox, Stellarton, Glenda (Bobby) Chiasson, New Waterford; sons, Joseph (Viola), Wayne (Patricia ‘Tish’), both of New Waterford; brother, George, Westmount; grandchildren, Kim, Kelly, Janelle, Melanie, Chad; great-grandchildren, Connor, Logan, and Josh.
Andrew was predeceased by his wife Rita and brother, John, and one sister in infancy.
There will be no visitation. A funeral mass of celebration will be held Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2012, at 10 a.m. in the Parish Church of St, Leonard, Mount Carmel Avenue, with Fr. Victor Ozoufuanya officiating. Burial wil be in St. Joseph Cemetery, Lingan, with a luncheon to follow at St. Leonard’s Parish Hall on Convent Street, New Waterford.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Cape Breton Branch SPCA or a charity of one’s choice.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 380 Smith St., New Waterford.
Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.vjmcgillivray.ca.
