John Mackay

JOHN DOUGLAS MACKAY

On Friday, July 29, 2022 at the Selkirk Regional Health Center, John entered into the loving arms of his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ at the age 86.

                John leaves to cherish his memory, children, John (Michelle) Mackay, Dawn (Timothy) Plett, and Kevin (Lynette) Mackay.  Six grandsons, Ian, Orrin, Ryan, Tyler, Malcolm, and Michael.  He is also survived by his dear sisters Florence Skwarek and Margaret Palmer, sisters-in-law, Alice Banman and Alvina Jardine, and brother-in-law, Garth (Diana) Jardine.

                He was predeceased by his father Alexander in 1990, mother Daisy in 2005, his beloved wife Donna on May 1, 2020, brother Melvin in 1969, sisters Irene Chambers in 1993, and Eleanor Husluk in 2002, niece Kathleen Kisiloski in 2003, sisters Joyce Kisiloski and Audrey Hebert in 2006, niece Boni Easton in 2008, nephew Randy Husluk in 2016, nephew Malcolm Chambers in 2021, nephew Ronald Hebert in 2022, as well as 7 brothers-in -law, and sister-in law Agnes Moore in 2021.

                Pallbearers will be Tyler Mackay, Malcolm Mackay, Michael Mackay, Ryan Plett, David Boehmer and Jamie Chambers.

                John’s father Alexander was born on May 3, 1899, John was born 37 years later, on May 3, 1936, and 35 years later, John’s son Kevin was born on May 3, 1971.  This became the date for many family celebrations over the years.

                John attended Hartley School.  At age 16, he learned the trade of roofing, which he did for approx. 55 years.  When he wasn’t roofing in the off season, he would be putting up wood for his own home and to sell.  He was known to be a very hard worker and had the nicknames of “Roofer” and “Driver”, that showed his ambition to provide for his family.

                He married Donna, the love of his life on December 21, 1963, and then followed 3 children.

                Over the years, John’s interests were in baseball, hunting – ducks, geese, deer, and moose.  In his late 30’s he learned of his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and desired to have Him in his life and serve Him by reading the scriptures and telling others of Gods love and their need of Him.  John faithfully attended church with his family.  He began his personal ministry of visiting people and sharing the gospel with them.  His love for the Lord, and his love for people was so evident in the way he lived his life.  Now we know he is no longer struggling for air that the rheumatism was taking from him.  He is healed and rejoicing in the presence of the Lord.

                Special thanks to the lovely nurses, doctors and staff at the Selkirk Regional Health Center for your care and compassion to make John as comfortable as possible in his final week.  Special thanks also to Glenn Hayes for words of friendship, faith, and comfort, as well as special thanks to musicians Dee and Lauren Friesen

                Viewing will take place on Friday, August 5th at 7:00 pm.  Funeral service will be held on Saturday, August 6th at 11:00 am.  Both in the Gilbart Funeral Chapel in Selkirk, MB.  Luncheon will be following the service, also at Gilbart’s.  Interment will follow at the Dunara Cemetery on #8 Hwy.

Condolences may be left on his tribute wall at www.gilbartfuneralhome.com

Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk in care of arrangements.

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