Obituary of James Roy Mackay

Roy Mackay died at The Drew Nursing Home in Sackville NB on September 4th after a lengthy illness. Loving husband and father, Roy was born in 1939 in the family home on MacKay Street in Stellarton, Nova Scotia, as was his father.

From childhood, Roy loved to play the piano, and his home was always filled with popular and light classical melodies, especially at Christmas.

Roy married Faye Louise (Smith) in October, 1962, in Pictou NS, and they were together nearly 59 years, until her death in 2021.

Roy’s work with CN and Marine Atlantic took him from Stellarton and Truro to the Moncton area. He lived in Moncton, Riverview, Hillsborough, and Salisbury. For many years, he and Faye were active members of Central United Church in Moncton.

Roy’s other passion, particularly in retirement, was genealogy and local history. Many hours were spent researching and documenting family roots — his own and others — in libraries, archives, and cemeteries throughout New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. Time with far-flung family members brought him much joy, and he cherished those relationships, especially with his older sister Marjorie, as she was like a mother to him.

Roy was pre-deceased by his wife Faye, his parents Alec and Reta, and his sisters Helen Bishop (Pugwash NS) and Marjorie Kehoe (Kingston ON). He is survived by his son Christopher (Sackville NB), his sister Brenda Diamond (Cayman Islands), and his nieces Sandi Kehoe (San Diego) and Tamara Begin (Bromont QC).

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Erin Campbell and staff of Campbell’s Funeral Home, 89 Bridge Street, Sackville N.B. (506) 364-8188. In keeping with Roy's wishes, there will be no visiting hours or funeral service.

If so desired and in lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Roy may be made to the Westmorland Historical Society. On-line condolences and sharing of memories may be forwarded to the family through our website www.campbellsfuneralhome.com or by visiting the funeral home Facebook page.