NEW GLASGOW – It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved father, Robin Clyde Rogers MacKay of New Glasgow, who passed away peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday, January 3, 2012, at the age of 61.
Born on November 29th, 1950, in New Glasgow, as the eldest son of the late Clyde MacKay and Florence Martin (nee MacDonald, MacKay, MacLeod), stepfathers, Ivan MacLeod and Ralph Martin.
Left to mourn his loss but also cherish his memory are daughters, Stacey MacKay of Little Harbour and Wendy Verge (Michael) of New Glasgow.
Grandchildren and lights of his life, Jorja and Ben Verge, Liam and Mason Carter.
Brother-in-law, James Baxter of Stellarton, stepbrothers, Wayne (Cindy) Martin, Plymouth, Ralph (Chantal) Martin of P.E.I.
Nieces, Cindy (Wayne) Martin, Caroll (Blair) MacKinnon, Chrystal (Richie)Baxter, nephew, Jim (Shelly) Baxter.
Grandnephews, Ryan and Evan MacKinnon, and grandniece, Olivia MacKinnon.
Former wife and friend, Linda MacKay, his aunt, Helen Merrill, and cousins Richard, Stephen, Sharon and Alvin Jr. in the USA, and last but not least, his beloved pet Skuttle, so proudly named by granddaughter Jorja.
Besides his parents, Robin was predeceased by a sister, Bonnie Baxter, and a brother, Derek MacKay.
Dad was a very warm-hearted, quiet man who would do anything for anyone. He was a kind and gentle man affectionately known as “Huggy Bear”. In his early working days, Robin worked for his grandfather Merritt MacKay at Merritt MacKay Motors, and later operated his own auto detailing business out of the same garage, thereafter joining the New Glasgow Fire Department on May 18th, 1979, where he worked as a fire truck operator.
As if one full-time job wasn’t enough, Robin on his days off drove a school bus with Chignecto Regional School Board for many years, something he thoroughly enjoyed as he had such a love for children. After his own children grew up, and with no camping adventures on the horizon, Robin spent summers hauling blueberries with extended family, the MacKays of Garden of Eden. After all the work was done, Robin still found time to work on his hobby of restoring old cars.
Since leaving work in 2003 due to ill health, dad thoroughly enjoyed spending time with his precious grandchildren who so dearly loved their grampie.
Although dad lived the last number of years in chronic pain, he always had a smile for everyone and a cheerful hello to all whom he met. May you all remember that smile when you think of our dear departed father.
The family will receive visitors from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. on Friday in the H.W. Angus Funeral Home. Funeral service will be held on Saturday at 2 p.m. from Trinity United Church with Rev. Jim Webber-Cook officiating.
Burial will be in the Brookside Cemetery.
Donations in Robin’s memory may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society for all of the loved ones he lost to Cancer.
“Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.”
Online condolences may be sent to angusfuneral@ns.sympatico.ca