MacKay, Ernest Charles “Ernie”, age 75, Smith St., Amherst, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 26, 2009 after a very courageous battle with cancer, with his loving wife and family by his side. Born in Rockley, he was a son of the late Albert and Ora (MacDonald) MacKay. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his first wife Carol (Simpson); brother, Douglas; sister, Dorothy Nardi; and brother James MacKayHe is survived by his second wife, Carole (Nickerson), Amherst; son, Dale (Janet), Noel; grandsons, Josh and Alex, Halifax; sister, Helen Wilson, Dartmouth; stepsons, Charles (Lynn), New Glasgow, Stephen, Toronto, Gary (Vicki), and Alan (Patricia), Amherst; step-daughters, Shelly (David), Chapman Settlement and Barbara, Amherst; and adopted daughter, Kerry, Amherst; 14 step-grandchildren and 2 step-great grandchildren, several nieces, nephews and cousins here and in the USA.Ernie’s passion in life was music, and he was very proud of his band “Little Nashville”. He shared his music and sang freely among young and old. He was a member of the Knights of Pythias, Chignecto Lodge #11. Ernie and his first wife Carol and son Dale lived in Toronto for several years, where he was employed with “Federal Nut and Bolt” and for a time they lived and worked in Bradenton, Fl.. He worked mainly in the car business through his life.His remains are resting at the W. Allen Funeral Home, Water, St., Oxford, NS with visiting Wednesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 pm. Funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Thursday, May 28, 2009 at 2 pm., Rev., Meggin King officiating. Burial in the Pine Grove Cemetery, Oxford. Donations to the Canadian Cancer Society or a charity of the donor’s choice, gratefully appreciated.