Obituary of Robert Alexander "Kato" MacKay, Glace Bay, Port Hawkesbury

Robert Alexander “Kato” MacKay

Glace Bay/ Port Hawkesbury

An duine laghach – “the decent man”

The family of Robert Alexander (“Kato”) MacKay, born June 12, 1933, Glace Bay, N.S. are sad to announce his passing on December 2, 2020, at the residence of his daughter, Sharon MacKay O'Donnell (Port Hawkesbury, N.S.), where he resided for the last several years. He left this world as he had lived it – quietly and peacefully.

Born and raised in Glace Bay, Bob (“Bobby” to many) was the son of Alexander MacKay (Alec 'Kay’) and Catherine (Cassie) Moffatt MacKay. He was pre-deceased by his wife Muriel (Ross) MacKay, formerly of Margaree, N.S., and sister Lillian (William) Blunden.

As a child, returning with friends from a 1940’s film of The Green Hornet, one of the group tagged him with the name of the Hornet’s assistant – “Kato.” In true Glace Bay fashion, the sobriquet stuck, and indeed, many people know him only as Kato. Dad loved Glace Bay and had many close and life-long friends in the community and beyond. He cherished their visits, especially after the death of his beloved Muriel in 2000. He spoke often of the kindness people showed him after Muriel died and when he was convalescing from various medical procedures – bringing in food, taking him out for lunch, driving him to town, plowing his driveway.

Bob was a lifelong educator, who received his B.A. and B.Ed. from Acadia University, and his Master of Education from Saint Francis Xavier University. He helped fund his education with a summer job taking care of the pit ponies at Caledonia Mine, Glace Bay. He began his teaching career in Baddeck, N.S., and then moved on to several schools in the Sydney area, where he served as Principal of Central Junior High and Cornwallis Elementary. He was widely respected among his colleagues, and continued to be in touch with many of them long after he retired in 1989. He was a life-long member of Knox United Church, Glace Bay, and a dedicated Elder.

In his youth Bobby was a skilled hockey and baseball player. He was a passionate Boston Red Sox fan who attended many games at Fenway Park with his father. He also “supported” the Toronto Maple Leafs. Being the son of a successful amateur boxer, he developed a great love of the sport. He was an avid reader and consumer of news and current events. The New York Times Crossword puzzles were a special pastime of his. He kept a daily journal for decades. Dad loved the holidays, a good barbeque, and spending many fun family summers in Margaree. He was a quiet, gentle man, who had a wonderful, dry sense of humour.

Dad was a devoted family man who loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. Left behind to grieve his loss, but also to celebrate his life, are children Donna (Andrew Moss), Stellarton, N.S.; Ross (Lynne MacFadgen), Nanaimo, B.C.; Kathy (Michael Purdy), Amherst, N.S.; and Sharon (Robert O'Donnell), Port Hawkesbury, N.S. “Papa” was also a caring and affectionate grandfather to Duncan, Ainslie, Sarah, Neal, Suzanne, and Molly. Kato was also a considerate uncle to many nieces and nephews. We will forever miss him, and we are grateful for the kindness, love, and support he provided us through the years.

As many of Dad’s friends were aware, since his late 30’s he suffered from rheumatoid arthritis, resulting in numerous orthopedic surgeries for joint replacements as well as other medical interventions. He was in almost constant pain for all these years but we never heard a word of complaint from him. His stoicism, strength, and perseverance endured to his last days.

Many thanks to Dr. Marchand, Port Hawkesbury, and Dr. Ley, Glace Bay. Special thanks to the staff at Inverness County Home Support Society, especially to the caregivers who treated Dad with much kindness and respect during his home visits. Thanks also to Paula Fraser, Sarah Touesnard, Michael Hatt, and the staff at the Medicine Shoppe, Port Hawkesbury. And we would like to express our gratitude to Maria and Vince Boudreau for their kindness to Dad since he came to live in Port Hawkesbury.

Donna, Ross, and Kathy wish to convey their deep gratitude to Sharon, Rob, and Molly, for taking Dad into their home and bestowing on him such love and care that he was able to enjoy a comfortable and happy life despite his infirmities. We will never forget your kindness and devotion.

Cremation has taken place. No flowers, please, upon family request. Due to the pandemic, there will be a private service only at V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Glace Bay. Rev. Alison Etter officiating. 

Interment will take place on Tuesday, October 25, 2022 at 2 p.m. in Forest Haven Memorial Gardens.

Donations can be made to the Arthritis Society of Canada, the Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation, the Strait Richmond Palliative Care Society, or a charity of your choice. On line condolences to the family can be expressed at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca

 

“Father, the gate is open.”