James MATTHEW MACKAY

1927 - 2024

P.Eng
A COMPLETED LIFE. Jim died peacefully on Saturday, April 13, 2024, at the time and in the manner of his choosing, at home and in the presence of his family. He is survived by Laurie, his wife of 66 years; his children, Ruth (Martin), Helen and Ian; his grandchildren, Elspeth (Ryan), Matthew (Megan), Liam and Fiona (Tiange); his brother-in-law, John Anderson (Joyce); his sister-in-law, Margaret Gower, Brisbane, Australia; and many nephews and nieces and their families in Australia, Scotland, USA and France. He was predeceased by his parents, Agnes and Daniel MacKay, and by his sister, Joyce Halliday. Jim was born in Glasgow, Scotland on January 4, 1927 and grew up in London, UK, where he attended University College School, Hampstead, and graduated from the Royal School of Mines, Imperial College, University of London in 1951, with first class honours and was awarded the Bessamer Medal. He represented both his school and university in their rowing teams, competing on the Thames with much success. Here he developed a lifelong love of ""messing about in boats"". His career in metallurgy began in Canada, and projects took him to Africa, South America, Europe and, for 9 years, with Laurie and their young family, to Australia. Jim exchanged rowing for competitive sailing, first in Toronto and later in Sydney harbour with many trophies to show for his success. Relaxed family cruising was for non-racing days. After retirement, Jim's sailing days were more leisurely, exploring the Bay of Quinte and the Thousand Islands from the family summer home in Prince Edward County. Jim and Laurie enjoyed extensive travel over the years, and many happy family vacations with children and grandchildren. He inherited a deep love of music from his parents, and took advantage of the rich musical life in both London and Toronto. Other interests in his retirement years included a period of volunteering for Habitat for Humanity and many enjoyable years with the Academy for Lifelong Learning. He will be dearly missed by Laurie, his children, and his grandchildren all of whom have memories of his love and devotion, his humour, his integrity and his wisdom. Jim was one of those rare men who never lost the boy inside, and that was always there in everything he did, no matter how serious. ""To die proudly when it is no longer possible to live proudly. Death of one's own free choice, death at the proper time, with a clear head and with joyfulness, consummated in the midst of children and witnesses, so that an actual leave-taking is possible while he who is leaving is still there."" Nietzsche A private family cremation has already taken place. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care (www.tlcpc.org) would be appreciated. With thanks to Dr. Heiki Ylanko, Dr. Jamie Meuser and Dr. Joshua Tepper, for their care. A celebration of Jim's life will be held on Saturday, May 11, 2024 from 4 – 6 p.m. in the Atrium, 21 Shaftesbury Avenue (directly opposite the Summerhill subway station).