July 1, 1943 – Oct. 9, 2014, Sydney
It is with unbearable sadness I announce the passing of my wonderful husband, William ‘Bill’ Jay MacKay on Thursday, Oct. 9, 2014, in my arms at Cape Breton Regional Hospital, palliative care, Sydney. Bill was nothing short of heroic in his two years rollercoaster fight with a pancreatic tumour.
Bill was born in New Waterford and predeceased by his father, George when he was four years old. Later he was predeceased by his sister, Margaret Clancey and mother, Pearl MacKay Delaney.
Bill is survived by his adoring wife, Terry; sister, Debbie McIsaac and family, Red Deer; two daughters, Dana (Richard), Winnipeg, and Gina (Glen), Winnipeg; seven grandchildren, Danny, Trevor, Paul, Kaitlyn, Kyle, Kelli and Kerri, Winnipeg; very close cousin, Bryan MacKay and family, Thunder Bay, and special friend and spiritual comfort, Patsy Steele, Lethbridge.
Bill worked at Sydney steel plant and various other jobs over the years. He especially enjoyed teaching taekwondo and womens self-defense classes in Sydney, Baddeck, Englishtown, North Shore and North River. He put his heart and soul into these classes. Bill had two favourite places, our cottage on North River, overlooking St. Ann’s Bay, and Daytona, in the quiet time of year, walking the endless sand beach with Terry, feeding the seagulls.
Bill would like to thank his family Dr. Genge in Baddeck, and doctors, Mark Walsh and Michele Molinari for the many times they saved his life when in his three month stay at the V.G., Halifax.
Terry would like to thank Bernice Grant, Regional Hospital, for her care and kindness.
Bill was helped by his faith in Jesus and prayers to our favourite saint brother, Andre. Bill has shown Terry in their 22 years together that ‘True Love’ does exist and that it will never die. He will always be her ‘Super Hero’.
There will be no visitation for cremation has taken place by Bill’s request. A mass in his memory will take place at a later date.
Donations in memory of Bill may be made to Pancreatic Cancer Society.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home.
Online Condolences
Dear Terry: So sorry to hear of Bill's passing. He was a wonderful teacher and a gentle and kind man. I would love to talk to you. Beth, Englishtown
Hello Terry: Donald and I were so shocked to read Bill's death notice in today paper. I tried to find a phone # for you and to no avail. We extend our sympathy to you. Please call us when you get to North River again, if there is anything we can do for you please let us know. This is a very lonely time for you, he was such a nice person and you both enjoyed life, weather here or in Florida. Our love to you. Pamela and Donald
Dear Terry: We were saddened to hear of Bill's passing. Please accept our sincere condolences on the loss of your soul mate. We'll say a special prayer to Brother Andre to help you through this difficult time. Special thoughts.
From: Allister & Angie MacLeod