David Malcolm Mackay

Age 54, Truro, passed away peacefully and surrounded by love on Friday, February 15, 2019. The sky was blue, and the sun was shining; a most fitting morning for his final journey. My world paused as his spirit left us and rose to become my special star in the sky. He has entrusted his memory to my safe keeping; his friend and companion of 20 years, wife of two months, Lydia Tyhonchuk. He has also left behind in my care his most beloved friend, his “Papa’s boy”, Maverick. David’s passing has left a deep void in the lives of those who loved him best; mother, Bessie MacKay, Hilden; siblings, Cynthia, Edmonton, Alberta; Sedley “Tim” (Norma), Onslow Mountain; Donna (Kim), Moncton; Penny, Truro; Linda (Ray), Barrie, Ontario; nieces and nephews, Sarah, Jonathan, Jennifer, Ronnie and Daniel; newly minted sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Sonia and Bruce, Calgary, Alberta; aunts, uncles, cousins, great-nieces and nephews and many friends both near and far. He was predeceased by his father, Sedley; cousins, Wayne and Curtis; maternal and paternal grandparents. David fought his brief but hard battle with cancer in the same manner with which he lived his life; with a full-on plan, with courage and conviction and maintaining his sense of humor to the end. He was fully engaged in all decisions until he trustingly placed his final care into my hands during his last days. From the onset we were surrounded and supported by a truly extraordinary health team, including, Dr. Chris Cook, Dr. Dave Henderson, Dr. Cortney Smith; community nurse, Lisa Weatherbee; VON who assisted us at home and the entire health care team in Palliative Care Unit at Colchester East Hants Health Centre; this wonderful group of individuals cared for David with respect, compassion and dignity. We felt truly gifted and our thanks knows no bounds. It was David’s wish that rather than a funeral, and when the time is right, and his family and friends have let go of the pain and grief of his passing, to instead gather together and celebrate his life. So, unto that end, in early spring, we will have a kitchen party; we will tell stories, listen to his favorite music and certainly shed happy tears as we share memories of a life well lived. David was most comfortable surrounded by nature and was self-employed throughout his life in businesses that suited the moment, his final venture and one closest to his heart was “MacKay’s Wild Outdoor Store”. It was a true labor of love and embodied his spirit and his passion and respect for the outdoors. It is fitting that he happily agreed that any donations in his memory should be made to the Cobequid Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre in Hilden. Arrangements have been entrusted to Mattatall –Varner Funeral Home, 55 Young Street, Truro, where the guest book may be signed or donation in his memory made. Private messages of condolence may be sent to the family by viewing David’s obituary online and selecting “Send A Condolence” at: www.mattatallvarnerfh.com “Bye Sweetie and safe journey. Save a place for me at the table and come back and visit me some time. Forever in my heart and with love, your Lyd”