New Glasgow, NS
February 21, 1942 - August 23, 2024
Warrant Officer Cameron "Cammie" Chisholm McKay, 82, from Pictou Landing, passed on Friday, Aug. 23, 2024.
Cammie was born on February 21, 1942, in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia to the late John Preston and Gladys (née Ferguson) MacKay. Growing up in Pictou Landing, he was a goalie for the East Pictou High School hockey team in 1958-59 when they were the Provincial High School champions. After high school, he worked in radio in New Glasgow, Amherst, and Sydney before joining the Canadian Armed Forces in 1963. Stationed in Westfalia, Germany he became a popular announcer for Radio CAE (Canadian Army Radio) with his radio show "Dawn Patrol". While in active duty, he travelled to many places, including Cypress, Italy, and two tours to Germany. In 1982, he was part of a seven country Commonwealth of Nations military training team deployed to Uganda to safeguard the civilian population and rebuild Uganda after political conflict.
While in the military, he ascended the ranks to Warrant Officer and served as a Medical Assistant. His military decorations include the United Nations Force in Cyprus, the Canadian Forces Decoration, and Parachute Badge. He served his country for 21 years, retiring in 1984 and later working for Home Hardware, Proudfoots in New Glasgow.
He enjoyed the outdoors. While stationed in Germany, he became a cross-country ski instructor. In his younger years, he volunteered for the Bear River and Pictou Landing Fire Departments. He was also a talented artist who enjoyed painting and drawing.
He adored his wife, Renate (née Kipper) whom he married in Werl, Germany on Aug. 23, 1968.
Those left with fond memories are his wife of 56 years, Renate; daughter Tanja McKay Ph.D. (Jorge Ayala) of Jonesboro, AR; granddaughters, Malena Ayala of Halifax, and Adriana Ayala of Jonesboro, AR; brothers, Ferguson (Miriam) MacKay of Trenton, and Lloyd (Linda) MacKay of New Glasgow; and many nieces and nephews.
A heartfelt thanks to the many caretakers who helped Cammie over the years. No memorial service is immediately planned.
The family will notify loved ones in the future when the celebration of life and a private interment will be held.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to the Pictou County SPCA.
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