NORTH SYDNEY / NEW GLASGOW – Rev. Donald Walker MacKay, 67, of New Glasgow, residing in North Sydney at the time of his sudden but peaceful death at home, on July 25, 2011. No matter where life took Donald, he always deeply treasured his roots and connections to Pictou County. He was born January 29, 1944 in New Glasgow, the son of the late Donald A. MacKay and the late Margaret (Smith) MacKay. He spent his early years in Riverton before the family relocated to New Glasgow. During his teen years he felt a call to Christian ministry, largely influenced by his summer camping experiences at Camp Geddie, Merigomish. A graduate of Acadia University, Wolfville, he pursued academic and ministry training at Presbyterian College, Montreal leading to ordination as a minister of The Presbyterian Church in Canada in 1968. Holding deep interest in the mission of the church, Donald accepted assignments in Italy, Nigeria, Ghana and in the Atlantic region of Canada. Over twenty years of his ministry was spent serving the Presbyterian Church in Nigeria in various capacities, including being a theological instructor for the training of future ministers. In his years as Regional Staff for the Synod for the Atlantic Provinces he contributed to the leadership development of many people, including numerous young people, through his work as the summer director at Camp Geddie. After returning to Canada from Ghana in 2008, and anticipating a new role in ministry in Cape Breton, Donald was diagnosed with cancer that eventually necessitated his retirement from the pastoral ministry.
He will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Marion (Barclay); his brother Roderick (Lynne) Waverley, NS and their family: Aarin, Toronto, ON, Aarika (Noel) Machat and their children Keira and Keigan Machat, Dubai, UAE, and Andrea, Dartmouth; his brother Robert (Melinda) living in Venice, FL; his mother-in-law Janet Barclay, Maple Ridge, BC and the members of Marion’s family; and numerous cousins. He will also be remembered fondly by those who “became as family” during the years he lived in Nigeria and Ghana.
Instead of a visitation, a brief service of prayers and thanksgiving, conducted by the Presbytery of Cape Breton, will be held on Thursday, July 28 at 7 p.m., followed by a reception, within St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Sydney Mines. A memorial service, conducted by the Presbytery of Pictou will be held on Friday, July 29, at 3 p.m. within First Presbyterian Church, Stellarton.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Camp Geddie (PO Box 34 New Glasgow, NS B2H 5E5); the Canadian Cancer Society or the charity of your choice.