Obituary of Keith MacKay

Andrew Keith MacKay January 4, 1951 – August 28, 2024 Andrew Keith MacKay passed away peacefully on Wednesday August 28th, 2024, in the care of the Aberdeen Hospital PalliativeCare Unit after a valiant battle with cancer. Although Keith nevermarried, he was family to many and leaves behind a legacy of love,hard work and genuine kindness. Born on January 4, 1951, Keith was the fourth of five children in a hardworking and humble Mount Thom farming family. His mother, Evaline (MacCulloch) and father Alexander MacKay, both died early in his life, in 1969 and 1973 respectively, but not before leaving a positive and loving imprint on all of their children. From a young age, he learned the value of hard work, and carried these values throughout his life, spending nearly all his years in Pictou County, with the brief exception of his time spent at St Mary’s, where he formed a lifelong bond with the Barker family, whom he considered his second family. His travels often took him further for short periods where the weather may have been warmer, but he was content to settle and do business just a short motorcycle drive from where he grew up. When Keith did on occasions travel to faraway places such as Brazil, Cuba or Hong Kong, he was always very curious to learn about the geography and people of those places, by chatting with a wide range of people and befriending taxi drivers and other everyday people. Before finishing these conversations, he would often tell them about howgreat Pictou County Nova Scotia was, and sometimes gave them tourist brochures about his home. Keith was a quiet man, embodying the MacKay family trait of taking immense pride in hiswork. He worked long hours as the face of Suntime Enterprises in Green Hill for four decades. Despite his demanding schedule, Keith was always present for family and friends, never missing an event, he was always quietly present- and on time. He was an observer with a brilliant memory for details, and upon visiting with Keith a subsequent time he always had thoughtful and inquisitive follow up questions. Though he was never loud, apart from his hearty quick laugh, when asked directly Keith was conversant on literally any topic. His mind worked fastest, when discussing complex mechanical challenges, a testament to his practical intelligence. Keith built and serviced hundreds of pools, hot tubs and pellet stoves throughout the years, though he himself never owned one. He brought a healthy appetite to most any family event, and he always cleaned his plate. He started every conversation with a ‘Hello Dear,’ though he knew everyone by name, and he always bought others practical, perfect gifts. In his final weeks and days, he said thank you, and meant it, to each and every nurse or doctor who passed his doors. He was sometimes shuffled between different wards, but he never complained and seldom rang the bell. He was a man of few words, but he was always attentive, and genuine in his words of thanks throughout his life, and for the care and love he received near the end. He left this world in the same way he lived—quietly, peacefully,and without causing a fuss. Keith will be remembered as a beloved brother to his birth family Betty Lou Scott (Bill),Shirley Murray, Wayne MacKay (JoAnn) and Jeanne Cruikshank and dearly loved nieces and nephews; Sandy, Lisa; Jock, Chris, Sean, Jill; Erin, Amanda, Alexa, Jordi; and Whitney. However, his impact extended far beyond his immediate family. Keith had four families: his birth Family, the Barker Family, his Motorcycle & Snowmobile Family and Suntime Family. His impact traveled far throughout Northern Nova Scotia and beyond. Keith spent his final days in the excellent care of the doctors and nurses at the Aberdeen Hospital Palliative Care unit, whose kindness, and support left a lasting impression on him and his loved ones. To each, in his quiet way, he wishes a final ‘Goodbye, dear.’ You can honour Keith’s legacy through a donation to the Pictou County SPCA, the Mount Thom Cemetery or through an act of kindness. Cremation has taken place .A celebration of Keith's life will be held on September 21st,2024 ,from 2:00 p.m.to 4:30p.m. at the West River Fire Hall ,19 Gates Rd. Saltsprings ,N.S. Keith will be laid to rest in Mount Thom Cemetery ,close to his parent's graves. angusfuneralhomes.com