Roderick "Roddy" Ivan MacKay

Passed away at the Tri-Lake Health Centre, Killarney, MB, on Friday, July 21, 2023, at the age of 87 years, Roderick (Roddy) Ivan MacKay, of Baldur, MB. 

Roddy was born on the family farm in Hilton, MB to Rod & Bertha MacKay, on January 17, 1936.

He worked at the Belmont Creamery, as well as helping neighboring farmers at seeding and harvest times.  He also helped his uncle Joe Raison on the farm at Wawanesa, MB

On June 20th 1959, Roddy married Joan Holmes and at this time they purchased the De Cima farm southwest of Belmont and there they raised their six children; JoAnn, Neil, Ian, Brian, Mark and Craig.

There was always something to do on the farm; be it picking weeds, picking stones, cleaning barns, feeding animals, and the list goes on.  We learned at a young age you never said, “I’m Bored”!  Mom & Dad taught us how to work hard and to always treasure the love of family.

Dad had five sons, all of whom played hockey & baseball.  Dad coached hockey in the winter and it was to the ball diamonds in the summer. 

There were many a winter day when the MacKay clan and Myers clan would head to the frozen slough, don their hockey skates, and it was “Game On”, but only after JoAnn would make everyone sing O’ Canada.  Daughter JoAnn figure skated and took music lessons.

Dad was a very quiet, humble man with a warm and fun-loving sense of humor!  All who knew him loved him.  In his younger years dad played guitar for the MacKay Orchestra ($45 for a regular dance and $90 for New Year’s Eve--- back when your dollar went a lot further)!  There were many a grandchild or great grandchild that would sit and listen to Papa play his guitar and Nana on the piano.

In 1981, tragedy struck the family and mom & dad lost their son Ian.  They decided to leave the farm and made a move to their current home in Baldur in 1990.

Before his retirement, dad was employed by the Municipality of South Cypress as the ferry operator at Stockton, MB.  He held this position from 1987 to 2000.

Upon retirement, mom & dad enjoyed their little cabin at Miami Beach on Pelican Lake.  Many trips were made on dad’s golf cart up & down the road, usually with a little one seated beside him or on his lap.

Family and good neighbours meant the world to mom & dad and they treasured their times with a good cup of coffee.

Roddy is survived by his loving wife Joan (nee Holmes), daughter Jo-Ann (Ray), sons Neil (Arlene), Brian (Evelyn), Mark (Carrie), and Craig (Tina).  He leaves 12 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.

He will also be missed by his sisters Bella & Edward Lefteruk and Linda & Ralph Lefteruk, brother Larry & Valarie MacKay, sisters-in-law Diane MacKay,  Donna & Elwood Myers as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended relatives & friends.

Dad was predeceased by his son Ian, parents Rod & Bertha MacKay; in-laws Oliver & May Holmes, brother John MacKay; brothers-in-law Alan Woods & Jim Holmes; son-in-law Erv Hiebert and nephew Scott Myers.

The family wishes to thank everyone who sent cards, made phone calls, sent food & flowers and have kept us in thought & prayer.  We also want to sincerely thank the EMT’s, doctors and nurses at Killarney Hospital for your kind & compassionate care. 

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.  Donations of remembrance can be made to Cancer Care Manitoba, Children’s Wish Foundation or charity of one’s choice.

"Love You,  Til We Meet Again"

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