New Glasgow, NS
July 7, 1959 – October 10, 2024
It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Bill McKay of New Glasgow, NS. He passed away at home surrounded by many loving family members.
He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Claire and his two children, Matthew (Christina Cleroux) and Kelsey (Adrian Carty); his mother, Cavell (Joudrey) and siblings, Valarie Bowes (Danny), Cindy Minion (Randy), and John (Darlene Delaney); his sisters-in-law, Peggy Gallagher (Terry), Martina Acres (George), Ann Power, Loretta Carpenter (Joe); many nieces and nephews – all of whom were very special to him, an uncle, aunt and cousins, and the Smiths, neighbours who we consider family. He was predeceased by his father, William, parents-in-law, Anna and Martin Power; and brother-in-law, Donnie Power.
Bill was raised in the South End of New Glasgow and spent summers at the family cottage in Little Harbour. Growing up, Bill loved playing sports, particularly hockey, playing for Pictou County Minor Hockey, New Glasgow High School, and New Glasgow Junior B Bombers Hockey. He also played rugby for New Glasgow High School and was a member of New Glasgow 12th Venture Troup traveling with this group to Bermuda and Florida.
Bill and Claire settled in the West Side of New Glasgow where they raised their children, Matthew and Kelsey. Bill always enjoyed and never missed Matthew and Kelsey’s games or recitals. Bill was also an avid music lover and loved cooking a delicious meal with Kelsey with music playing and beer in hand. Bill also volunteered with New Glasgow Minor Hockey and Pictou County Minor Hockey. As a family, the McKays enjoyed camping during summers and ski trips during the winters.
Later in life, Bill became an avid golfer and a member of the Abercrombie Golf and Country Club, playing many years with a tightknit group of friends. Bill was always on the course opening day and continued to play into late November. He continued playing hockey in the Stellarton Men’s League and was a proud member of the Pictou County Under 80 Men’s league.
When Bill retired at 60, he never looked back. He enjoyed retirement to the fullest - Bill and Claire spent their Aprils in Florida and trips in the fall to Europe with many laughs and adventures along the way. Bill loved time with friends and family.
Bill was a licensed plumber by trade and attended Dartmouth Regional Vocational School where he completed a two-year Business Administration Technology Diploma. Bill spent many years employed with the family business and co-owned Wm. McKay Heating & Plumbing Ltd. Bill finished out his career as a Gold Seal Mechanical Project Manager with Flagship Construction.
His 65 years were filled with love and happiness, many great experiences, a successful career and a happy family – a life well spent. Bill was someone you could count on and was always ready to help a friend. To know Bill was to share a laugh with him. There will be a hole in his family and friends’ lives, and a laugh that we will miss without him here with us.
To Dr. Melanie McCara – we cannot thank you enough for all your care over the years, and especially the care and respect you have shown Bill throughout his battle with cancer. A thank you as well to the Aberdeen Hospital Oncology Unit and Palliative Care Unit.
Donations in Bill’s memory may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society (directed to Pancreatic Cancer Research), the Pictou County VON or donate blood in his memory.
It’s not what we have in our lives, but who we have in our lives that matter. – J.M. Lawrence
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