MACKAY, DR. JOHN ERNEST – Dr. John Ernest MacKay - respected native son of Fredericton, distinguished obstetrician and gynecologist, beloved family man, generous friend, fly-tyer and salmon fisherman – died while doing what he loved most on Thursday, June 23, 2011 fishing on the Miramichi River. He was 81 years old. Born September 25, 1929 in Fredericton, NB, Jack dedicated his life to his family and friends, the medical profession, various community organizations, and the cause of Atlantic Salmon conservation. Embracing the philosophy that a long, rich life is about balancing hard work, devotion to family, community and friends, and generosity of time for play, Dr. MacKay always found hours to go salmon fishing at his Kenmore Fishing Club. His last day was one of his best, especially after just catching and releasing a large salmon. A fitting end for a very fine man whose professional career spanned more than five decades. The only son of the late E. Allison MacKay and Eva (Brewer) MacKay, he was predeceased by his Aunt Hattie Johnson and Aunt Kitty Brewer, step-mother Isabel Babbitt MacKay, step uncle Jack Babbitt, and cousin Alice Lou Rouse. Jack spent most of his life in Fredericton. An exceptional student, he mixed academic achievement with sports at an early age. He played goalie on the Charlotte Street School hockey team and was the manager of the basketball team at Fredericton High School where he graduated in 1946. He discovered his passion for hunting and fishing early in life through his longtime friend, Dr. Marven Palmer, who would take Jack to his farm in Douglas Harbor to trout fish and hunt ducks. It did not take long for Jack – who wore a three piece suit in junior high school – to become confident and capable at both sports. Jack received his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of New Brunswick in 1950 and pursued his passion for medicine at McGill University where he received his medical degree in 1954. During his McGill years, Jack married his one true love, Barbara Joan Lawson of Minto, NB, on August 15, 1953. Their long distance courtship included boat trips during the summer months between their respective Grand Lake cottages at Robertson’s Point and Sunnyside Beach. Jack and Barb left Canada in 1954 for internship and residency training in obstetrics and gynecology at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Bridgeport, CT and Providence Lying In Hospital in Providence, RI. He completed his training in 1960. During that period, three sons were born: John Allison, David Lawson and Michael James. The call of New Brunswick was simply too strong for him to resist, so he returned to Fredericton in 1960 settling on Riverview Court off the Golf Club Road where the family still resides. At that time in Fredericton, Dr. Robert Chalmers had the sole practice in obstetrics and gynecology, and he recruited the young physician to join him at the Fredericton Medical Clinic. Together they formed the first medical partnership of its kind up to that time in Fredericton and delivered hundreds of babies each year. Over the next 40 years, the practice would eventually grow to include 8 obstetricians. Beyond the deep commitment to his medical practice, Jack became a strong advocate for the clinic model, and he played an instrumental role in the planning of the medical clinic on Regent Street where the practice thrives today. He was a proud life member of the NB Medical Society and served as past president of the Medical Staff of the Doctor Everett Chalmers Hospital and the York-Sunbury-Queens Medical Association. His smile and professional bedside manner endeared him to generations of patients. It is a fact that Jack delivered thousands of babies during his forty years as one of Fredericton’s most respected doctors. One can hardly step out in public without a grateful mother or father claiming that a member of their family was delivered by Jack. He retired from full time practice in 2006. Jack’s dedication to his patients was legendary, even when hunting and fishing season threatened to keep him out of the delivery room. One patient recalls Jack strolling into the delivery room wearing his operating room clothes and a pair of gum rubber boots. When asked if he was a doctor, Jack quipped “heck no, I’m just the plumber!” Admired by patients and staff alike, his portrait hangs at Chalmers Hospital in recognition of his contributions to the hospital and the Fredericton medical community. Always busy and active, Jack worked hard for various causes. Soon after retirement he became an esteemed member of the Golden Club. Most notably, Jack was a Charter Member of the Garrison Club and throughout the club’s history has remained a loyal and committed member. The club held him in the highest regard and valued his counsel, naming him Director Emeritus. Jack has also served the cause of salmon conservation with great distinction. A longtime member of the Miramichi Salmon Association (MSA), Jack joined the Board of Directors in 1996 and served with distinction over many years. He assumed major responsibility as Co-chair of the Endowment Fund Campaign and was appointed Chairman of the Membership Committee. Over the ensuing years, Jack led the drive to build a growing team of Life Members. He was instrumental in overseeing that program and worked for thirteen years as a member of the Fredericton Dinner Committee selling tickets and collecting auction items. Always willing to make time for a good cause and a good fishing trip, Jack’s active role in the MSA was recognized at their 14th Annual Fredericton Conservation Dinner in 2009 where he was the guest of honor. A keen salmon fisherman, and a good one, Jack tied his own flies at a high quality level, all the more surprising because he claimed to be colour-blind. A founding member of the Kenmore Fishing Club on the Miramichi River and president since 1997 after succeeding his close friend Punchy Walker, Jack spent a large part of his recreational life basking in the lore of the Miramichi River and fellowship of the Kenmore Club and other locations where he was invited often. In his president’s report to the annual meeting of the Kenmore Club five months ago on January 20, 2011, Jack was proud to report that “we have a wonderful membership and a wonderful collection of fishermen and friends. May it always stay that way!”. Jack was also an enthusiastic duck hunter and cherished his loyal hunting dogs Beauty, Kate and Jill. He was a sponsor of Ducks Unlimited. He looked forward to his annual goose trip to Saskatchewan with another devoted group of friends which continued over a span of three decades. Throughout his life, Jack took great pride in being the husband of Barbara MacKay, herself a devoted mother and grandmother, gourmet cook and an accomplished Grand Master bridge player. The ultimate satisfaction for Jack was watching his family grow, prosper and return home for summer vacations at their Grand Lake cottage. A father of three and grandfather of five, he was proud of all their activities, and chronicled their scholastic, athletic and professional successes in hundreds of diary entries, letters, photos and videos which fill countless albums and file cabinets in his office. The family cottage at Robertson’s Point has been the annual gathering spot for four generations. His absence from the Point will be deeply felt by those who knew and loved him. Jack is survived by his loving wife, Barbara, his sons, John MacKay (Donna) of Woodstock, NB, David MacKay of Washington, DC, and Michael MacKay of Winnipeg, Manitoba; five grandchildren, Gareth, Allison, Jaclyn, Mallory and Andrew MacKay.
Visitation will take place on Monday, July 4th at McAdam’s Funeral Home, 160 York Street from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 PM. A celebration of Jack’s life will be held at 2pm on Tuesday, July 5th at St. Paul’s United Church in Fredericton with The Very Rev. Keith Joyce officiating. A reception will take place at the Fredericton Golf Club immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to commemorate Jack’s life are invited to contribute to the Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital Foundation Fund or Miramichi Salmon Association. Online condolences may be made at www.mcadamsfh.com.