McKay, Donald James, 82, Lower Onslow, passed away peacefully with his wife Gwendolyn and son Jim by his side, January 14, 2011 in Cedarstone Enhanced Care, Truro.
Born at home in Lower Onslow, he was the youngest child of the late Donald and Florence (Twells) McKay. His father died when he was 5 years old leaving the farm to his young son Donald and oldest son, Bill.
Donald belonged to and was leader of the Onslow-Belmont 4H Club for 11 years, and played hockey for the Onslow Wildcats. He and Gwen met while he was driving a milk truck for Ray Jennings when the 80 lb milk cans were still being used. He bought his brother's share of the farm in August 1949. He also had to work away at Canada Packers for eight years; worked for the Highway Department driving the large snowplows in winter; drove school bus for Charlie Cox; worked at North River School as janitor and drove bus for the School Board. He also drove milk trucks for Curtis Fisher.
Donald was a charter member of the OBFB and was made a life member in 2000. As a volunteer he plowed the yard for the Fire Hall long before cabs had heaters on the farm tractors. He enjoyed working at the Exhibition on committees, tractor pulls, antique shows and received many ribbons for his vegetables, winning top prizes. He was also one of the first vendors at the Farmer's Market in Truro.
He leaves to mourn his wife of 62 years, Gwendolyn (Leben), Masstown; daughter, Jean (Jim) Nordin, Grand Prairie, AB; sons Jim (Muriel), John (Hazel), both of Lower Onslow, Bryan Joe (Donna Lee), Kenora, ON; Jerry (Linda), Malagash; grandchildren, Dr. Jennifer McKay (Tom Shreve), Lower Onslow, Dr. Deanna (Derek) Field, Bible Hill, Tristan, Daylan McKay, Kenora, ON, Candice Nordin, Grand Prairie, AB, Joyce McKay, Oxford, Julie, Jeremy (Melissa) McKay, Edmonton, AB; great grandchildren, Alexander, Amy, Ty, Jay, Dylan, Noah, Lilly Ann, Keegan, Kayleigh, Jayden; several nieces and nephews; sister, Margaret MacLaren. He was predeceased by an infant son, Donald Jr., sisters and their husbands, Lizzie (George) Barnes, Mae (Carson) Baird; brother, Bill (Charlotte); brother-in-law, Bert MacLaren; nieces, Marie Baird, Patricia McKay; parents-in-law, Leo (Winnie) Leben; aunts and uncles.
Visitation will be held, Wednesday, January 19th at 1 p.m. followed by a Fire Brigade Tribute service and funeral beginning at 2 p.m., all in Colchester Community Funeral Home, 512 Willow St., Truro, with Rev. Natalie Buchanan-Rutherford officiating. Interment in the spring in Belmont Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Trinity United Church, Onslow, Onslow-Belmont Fire Brigade, Colchester Food Bank, Colchester East Hants SPCA. A live web-broadcast of the service will begin at 1:58 p.m. Atlantic time. Online condolences may be made to: www.colchestercommunity.com