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BORN
1933
DIED
2021
Douglas McKAY Obituary
Predeceased by his daughter, Catherine in 1975, and his parents Ira and Vera.
Doug was born and raised in Brock, Saskatchewan, a true prairie boy. He had a long and distinguished career in the RCMP. In 1951 he completed his training in Rockcliffe, Ontario. His first postings were in the Edmonton, Alberta area. He arrived in Yellowknife, NWT in 1953 where he met Louise, the love of his life. With Louise's support and encouragement he resigned from the RCMP and followed his dream and greatest passion, flying. He flew many exciting, dangerous and maiden voyages as a Bush Pilot in the North. One great opportunity was piloting for Max and Doug Ward.
In 1959 he moved his young family to Edmonton, Alberta to continue his career and obtained his helicopter pilots license. Some history of his time in the air included Associated Helicopters and Klondike Helicopters.
In 1966, Doug would go on to move his now rather large family to his hometown of Brock, Saskatchewan, where he and Louise and the help of his mother, Vera would become "Inn Keepers", owing and operating the Brock Hotel. During that time Doug was still flying throughout western Canada and the NWT's. Doug spent any free time he had hunting and trapping which also provided for his family. The hotel was the headquarters every fall for Goose hunting season. Hunters came from the USA and Alberta for Doug expertise and outstanding upland game Labrador Retrievers.
In 1972, his services were requested by the RCMP . He re-enlisted and went to Texas to train with Bell Helicopter. He completed his orientation on the Bell 212 and became the first helicopter pilot for the RCMP.
Moving the family once again, this time to St.John's NFLD. Travelling by car and exploring Eastern Canada on the journey, stopping on PEI for an extended family reunion with the MacKay clan, his father's family.
The three years in St. John's was non stop flying with many excellent adventures, inclement weather and an exciting rescue. There were many great fishing trips to Flat Rock for Atlantic cod.
In 1975, Doug was transferred to Sidney, BC to pilot the brand new Bell 206 Jet Ranger. Doug's time flying on the Island was again very exciting and rewarding. He really enjoyed Island life, fishing, curling and being an active member of the local Rotary Club.
In 1981, the final transfer was Ottawa, Ontario. Doug slowed down a little, doing administrative duties, relieving and checking out other pilots. To clarify, "Checking out" means he verified that the pilots were capable of flying said machine.
In 1988, Doug and Louise returned to Vancouver Island to retire. They spent 33 more years together, gardening, fishing, curling, travelling and loving their family. Doug always told the best flying stories. And even bigger fishing stories. He lead a very full and illustrious life. He was loved and will be missed.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to a charity of your choice.
Memories and Condolences
for Douglas McKAY
10 Entries
Ron Manning
September 12, 2021
Condolences to the Mackay Family. Doug was a good friend and co-worker of my Dad, Tom Manning. They worked together as a team in Edmonton for Associated Helicopters, and again when Doug re-enlisted in the RCMP. Doug was the pilot and my Dad was the flight engineer on the 212 in Newfoundland and the 206 in Victoria.
As a kid, I still recall duck hunting trips with Doug around Edmonton, and later on he always found a way to accommodate my wife and I on little "test flights" around Victoria when we visited my folks there.
The "exciting rescue" in Newfoundland cannot be overstated. But for Doug's piloting skill, none of the kids on that ice flow would have survived. In the late spring of this 2021 I received a phone call from one of the "boys" (now a retired offshore oil rig worker) who wanted to let my family know that over his entire working life with helicopters he has never since witnessed such bravery or piloting skill as that demonstrated on the night of that rescue. The story was recounted in the 1976 June edition of the Reader's Digest. I was touched by that call. If Doug's family does not have a copy of that magazine article, I would be honored to forward them one.
My Dad passed away in the spring of 2009 in Prince George, BC. in the company of the families of my brother Rick and I.
Ron Manning
Darrell LaFosse
August 27, 2021
I had the pleasure of knowing Mr MacKay during his time in Newfoundland and was honoured to be a passenger as he flew the RCMP Bell 212. I was always in awe of his skill and his presence. I became friends with his family, especially Bruce but sadly lost touch over the years. Mr. MacKay was a fine man, father and member if the Force. He made a major impression on me. I wish I had not lost touch.
Darrell LaFosse, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia
Jim Wood
July 18, 2021
Doug was a good friend and coworker. He will be missed. Our condolences to Louise and all the family.
Cheryl LaFosse
July 11, 2021
Sorry to here of Doug's passing he was a very great friend With my father Jack Lafosse I remember they were very close during your stay in NFLD and after leaving. Sorry for your loss
Valerie Girard
July 8, 2021
I will always hold dear the memory of the close friendship our fathers held. Long ago evening visits on Blossom Park, listening to Doug’s stories & the house full of laughter, and goodwill. One night in particular where his job was to keep my parents up until their 25th anniversary “surprise” arrived brings a laugh & a chuckle at how hard he worked that night!
Our thoughts are with you all at this time
Val & John
Judy Bemrose
July 6, 2021
A very nice person. My condolences to Louise and all the family.
Brigitte
July 5, 2021
Hey Doug,
This is Brigitte your daughter in law. (I perfectly know that you can't read or hear me).
I would just like to thank you for making me feel welcome in your family.
As an example of our special relationship, I would like to relate one memory that describe it perfectly: You and I used to get up before everyone else and you would make coffee (not the best but still OK) and we would drink our coffee and read the newspaper.
Inevitably, you would try to stir up trouble by making inappropriate comment about whatever that you knew would make me react (women, native, etc.). After 35 years, I kind of understood what was your fun!! I looked at you in the eyes and started laughing. And we both understood each other! You also laughed and we continued drinking our coffee!
Doug, I love you dearly and I will miss you very much.
Louise, take could care of yourself! You are also a great mother in law.
Love you,
Brigitte
RONALD W HOBBS
July 5, 2021
A real pioneer of aviation in so many ways. Recognized for his service to Canada, and the North. His name along with a few select bush pilots is engraved on the Pilots Memorial in Old Town, Yellowknife, N.W.T. Our thoughts and prayers are extended to Bruce, Diane and your family.
Ron and Brenda Hobbs
Mark Albrecht
July 5, 2021
I would like to express my sincere condolences to the McKay family. I too was saddened to learn of Doug's passing. Just before Covid, I had the pleasure of bumping into Doug at the barbershop in Brentwood & we had a very nice chat. I will always be grateful for Doug's recommendation in the late 1970's that helped me onto my own 30 year career in policing. Rest in peace, Doug. You will be missed.
Vicki Loanne MacKay
July 4, 2021
My favorite childhood memory was my first airplane trip to NFLD to visit my cousin,Joan. Doug took us on a flight in the helicopter and Louise was a touch late getting us to the airport.I can still remember her saying Doug would fly over looking for us.I still remember dinners with Doug at the head talking to Joanie.Take care Louise.We think of you all often.
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