Obituary of David MacPherson McKay

Sackville, N.B.- David MacPherson McKay, well known and highly regarded journalist for more than 44 years, left us quietly in the early hours of Thursday at the Sackville Memorial Hospital following a lengthy illness. Dave would have celebrated his 88th birthday in September. Born in Yarmouth, N.S., on September 24, 1922, he graduated from Yarmouth County Academy before attending Dalhousie and Mount Allison Universities. While at Mount Allison he began his journalistic career at the Argosy and survived a fire which destroyed his campus residence. He graduated with his Bachelor of Arts in 1945. Dave continued his journalistic career in Halifax, joining the Canadian Press prior to moving to the Moncton Times-Transcript where he remained for 19 years, serving as reporter and advancing to sports editor then to city editor. In 1965 he left to become editor of the weekly Sackville Tribune-Post, later becoming a co-owner of the highly successful paper. While at the Tribune he penned the popular “Hear & Their” column, collaborated with Wallie Sears in writing “This Is Sackville” and edited a number of other publications. He earned the respect of his colleagues including such well known journalists as Howie Trainor, Jim Nichol and Ed St. Pierre. David McKay was predeceased by his parents, Curtis and Lena McKay; two sisters, Mary McKay and Margaret Cann, as well as by his daughter, Linda (Lea) Dixon of Vancouver. Survivors include his wife Dorothy (Stone) McKay (the OB-BW) of Sackville; two sons- Bruce of Saskatoon and David of Sackville and one daughter Heather McKay Richard of Sackville; one nephew- Andy Cann of Wolfville; six grandchildren and two great-granddaughters. Arrangements are entrusted to Campbell’s Funeral Home, Sackville, N.B. (364-8188) and at the request of Mr. McKay, there will be no funeral service. Memories will be shared at the funeral home on Tuesday, August 10, 2010 from 2-4 and 7-9 PM. Anyone wishing to make donations in memory of David may do so to the NB Lung Association, Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, Alzheimer Society or to the charity of one’s choice.