DR. DONALD CYRIL MACKAY, beloved husband of Mrs. Margaret (Peggy) MacKay, passed away peacefully after a brief illness at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Thursday, December 23, 2010 at the age of 87 years. He is survived by his wife Peggy, son Bruce (Flora) of Lethbridge and daughter Gillian (John) of Toronto, as well as granddaughters Elizabeth (Fran?ois) and Maggie. He is also survived by his brother Alvin (Annie) of North Carolina. He was predeceased by his brothers Taylor and Lewis of New Brunswick.
Born August 10, 1923, the third of four boys, Don began his education in a one-room schoolhouse in rural New Brunswick. He attended Nova Scotia Agricultural College, McGill (B.Sc.), Cornell (M.Sc.). He returned to teach at NSAC in Truro, where he met Peggy in 1950. After their marriage in 1951 they moved to Montreal for Don’s doctoral studies at McGill.
Following the completion of his PhD, Don worked for the Federal Agriculture Branch for his entire career. He began at the Research Station in Kentville, NS, followed by the Experimental Farm in Charlottetown, PEI. In 1967 the MacKays moved to Lethbridge, where he took up the position of Head of the Soil Science Section at the Research Station. He served in this capacity until his retirement in 1987. Don was an active scientist, and the author of many papers on soil science and irrigation. During his career he travelled throughout Canada, as well as to India and Argentina as a member of the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage.
Although he was a Westerner by choice for decades, Don’s heart was in the Maritimes, and every summer after 1967 he and Peggy made their way back to the Nova Scotia and New Brunswick to visit relatives and friends. For many years they enjoyed their own summer cottage on Washadamoak Lake in New Brunwick. In more recent summers they took up residence at the Pictou Lodge and entertained their friends and family in that location. It was there Don and Peggy celebrated both their 50th and 55th anniversaries. Don and Peggy were early members of the Lethbridge Country Club, joining in 1970. He enjoyed curling during much of his life, and was a member of several bridge clubs. Don was also very involved in the life of McKillop United Church, and served at various times in volunteer leadership positions within the congregation. In more recent years, Don offered his time at the Lethbridge Seniors Centre, helping seniors with their income tax returns. He was also a long-time supporter of the Lethbridge Symphony, and could often be seen enjoying a nap in a beautiful slow movement.
The family would like to thank the ICU unit of Chinook Regional Hospital for their excellent care during Don’s brief stay in hospital. A Service of Remembrance will be held at MCKILLOP UNITED CHURCH, 2329 - 15 Avenue South, Lethbridge on Tuesday, December 28, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. with Reverend Trevor Potter officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lethbridge Association for Community Living, 527 - 6 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta, T1J 2E1. Honoured to serve the family, CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORIUM, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 7B1. Telephone (403) 381-7777. E-mail: care@cornerstonefh.ca