The family of Murray A. MacKay announce his peaceful passing at the Northside Community Guest Home, in his 93rd year, on Monday, Aug. 20, 2012, surrounded by his loving family.
Born in Groves Point, N.S., the son of the late Alex and Annie Mae (MacPherson) MacKay.
Besides his parents, Murray was predeceased by his loving wife, Lillian in 2001, his daughters, Marilyn Anne (Ferguson) Smith in 1997 and Beverley Jane (Murphy) Wyatt in 2006, also by his brother, Donald ‘Buddy’ (Yvonne) and his dear sister, Christine (Carmichael) Canon.
Murray is survived by his children, Donald (Francine), Boisdale, Gerald (Gertie), Edwardsville, John (Betty), Sydney Mines, David (Shirley), Little Bras d’Or, Wendy (David) Neil, North Sydney, Elizabeth (Harold) Samson, Little Bras d’Or, and Kenny (Heather), Great Village, N.S., and his brother, Ray (Jean), Westmount. Also surviving are his 21 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Murray was a hard worker, helping at the family farm in Groves Point while he was growing up. At the age of 18, he began training as a machinist while boarding in Sydney. He later secured work at Purdy’s Wharf in Halifax. When the Second World War broke out, he enlisted in the Royal Canadian Navy, serving on several corvette ships.
During the war, he met and married the love of his life, Lillian Jay. Their oldest son, Donald was born during this time. When the war was over, they moved from Halifax to Cape Breton, building their home in Edwardsville. Murray worked at the Point Edward Naval Base and also ran an Esso service station which was located beside the family home. They went on to have eight more children.
In the early 1960s, Murray was approached to work as an investment consultant. He was very successful, going on to become his company’s top salesman innumerable times. He had a very strong work ethic and was an enthusiastic community volunteer. He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion, being one of the founding members of Branch 126 Westside in Westmount, member of Branch #19 Legion, North Sydney and a member of the Cape Breton Naval Veterans Association. He was a proud member of the Cape Breton Lodge of Perfection, Royal Albert Lodge, the Royal Arch Masons of Nova Scotia, the Isle Royale Chapter Rose Croix, and the Philae Shriners. He volunteered with the Northside Hospital Foundation, and was a strong supporter of the Liberal Party.
Above all, Murray was a devout and faithful Christian and member of St. Giles Presbyterian Church, where he belonged to the choir, the board of managers, as well as several committees. His family was very proud of him.
Visitation for Murray MacKay will be held from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Wednesday in the W.J. Dooley Funeral Home, 107 Pleasant St., North Sydney. Funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday at St. Giles Presbyterian Church, North Sydney, with Rev. Ritchie Robinson officiating. Burial to follow in Lakeside Cemetery, North Sydney.
Memorial donations may be made to St. Giles Presbyterian Church.
A Masonic service will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.
Online condolences may be sent to www.wjdooley.com.

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