James MacKay

With great sadness in his passing, but gratitude for a long life well lived his family announces the passing of James V MacKay, 92 of Scotsburn on December 2, 2019. Born in Elmfield, Pictou Co. he was the son of the late James and Sarah (Hatch) MacKay. Jim grew up on the family farm and attended the local one room school house. He worked many years in various areas of the dairy industry, retiring from the NS Department of Agriculture (Dairy Division) in 1992. He was the loving husband of the late Jean MacKay (Quinn) for 62 years. Jim’s greatest pride and joy was his family. He loved family gatherings, the bigger the better and particularly loved having his own house filled with the love and laughter of all the grand and great-grandchildren. Jim was a man of many talents and hobbies. He was a local historian “extraordinaire” who was known for his wealth of knowledge, uncanny memory and keen love of story telling. He loved gardening, woodworking, traveling and a good game of cards. He truly was a man who showed what it means to remain active far beyond the age at which many people sink into rocking chairs. Jim was a member of the Scotsburn United Church where he was a former Sunday School Superintendent, elder, choir member and handyman. He was a past member of the Scotsburn Fire Department, a member of the IOOF Lodge since 1945 where he also served as Noble Grand. He was also a faithful volunteer at ‘A Walk-Through Time’ Museum in Scotsburn where he lovingly demonstrated his “art" of storytelling.  Always in our hearts, forever smiling in our memories, the gift of Jim’s light will continue to shine. He is survived by his son, Danny (Shirley); daughters, Elizabeth Chenell, Janice Chadwick (David), Beverley Chisholm (George), and Heather Hayward (Jim). He was blessed with fourteen grandchildren, Kevin MacKay (Caroline), Melissa Friel (Eric), Ashley Ketch (Jason), Michael Chenell, Mark Chenell (Jen), Craig Chenell, JD Chadwick (Penny), Kurt Chadwick (Tove), Kelly Chisholm-MacDonald (Peter), Greg Chisholm (Dove), Kali D’Amours (Chris), Steven Hayward, Sally Hayward and Amy Jones (Mike); and seventeen precious great-grandchildren, Connor Chenell, Claire, Emily and Leah Friel, Elijah and Chloe Chadwick, Cameron and Natalie Ketch, Catherine and Erica MacKay, Finn and Walt Chadwick, Lewis and Nora MacDonald and Ashton, Brody and Caleb Chisholm who will all remember their beloved Da for his unconditional love and support. He also leaves behind his loving friend Marie MacCrae with whom he shared many happy times. Besides his parents and his wife, Jean; he was predeceased by his grandson, Craig Chenell; son-in-law, Glenn Chenell; and brother, Charlie MacKay.  Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held Friday at the McLaren Funeral Home, Pictou from 2-4 & 7-9 PM. The IOOF Lodge will conduct their service at 1:45 PM at the funeral home. His funeral will be held from Scotsburn United Church at 2pm on Saturday with Rev. Jim Webber – Cook officiating. Privat family interment will be in Bethel Cemetery, Scotsburn. Family flowers only please. In lieu of flowers, if so desired, donations may be made to the IWK Health Centre, the Scotsburn United Church or a charity of one’s choice. www.mclarenfuneral.ca.