MACKAY, ALDEN JOHN Miramichi songwriter March 21, 1943 - April 27, 2008 "And the river must be thinking 'bout the heart it's won" lines from "Salmon Fishin' Time on the Miramichi" written by Alden MacKay. Alden passed over Jordan with his sisters and loving cousins at his bedside, after his battle with lung cancer. He was the only son of Jack and Regina (Hovey) MacKay who predeceased him. Also predeceased by his grandparents, Donald and Grace MacKay and Walter and Edith (Neenie) Hovey. He has three sisters, Elaine MacKay of Porter Cove, Mavis O'Donnell (Fred) of Fredericton, and Deanna Collrin of London, Ontario. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews; Elaine's children, Dana, Leslie and Melanie Holmes; Mavis' and Fred's children, Darren and Trudy (Lace) O'Donnell; Deanna's children, Tony and Alison Collrin; also grandnieces and nephews, Tyler, Karissa, Jake, Owen and baby Ava Ellen Lace whom he adored. Alden's life took many turns and like his song says, "the Alberta prairies couldn't hold me". He came back to New Brunswick to work on the river and although he battled poor health, he managed to always maintain his sharp wit and use his gift of songwriting to record his thoughts and stories of the people and the Miramichi River. His songs "Fiddleheads and Gaspereau", "Big Fred Fowler", and many more will no doubt, be traditional some day. He will be remembered for his talent, friendships and loyalty to those lives he touched. Rest in peace brother, and thank you for the music! Friends and family are invited to celebrate Alden's life at the Miramichi Valley Funeral Home, New Bandon on Thursday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 pm. A Funeral Service will take place at the funeral home on Friday, May 2, 2008 at 2 pm with Rev. Tom Townsend officiating. Interment will take place in Ludlow Baptist Church Cemetery at a later date. For those who wish, remembrances made to the Ludlow United Baptist Cemetery or the SPCA would be appreciated by the family. Personal condolences may be offered through www.miramichivalleyfh.com