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Sandy Auld Mactaggart
Sandy Auld Mactaggart
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About
Sandy Mactaggart Obituary
Born Glasgow, Scotland March 11, 1928. Died Islay, Scotland, July 3, 2017.
Son of Sir John Mactaggart, 2nd Baronet of King's Park, Glasgow, husband of Cécile Erickson Mactaggart for 57 years, father of Mara, Fiona and Alastair, grandfather to seven grandchildren.
Evacuated to Canada at the beginning of World War II at the age of 11, he attended Lakefield College School in Ontario and acquired Canadian citizenship before subsequently attending, Harvard College (1950) and Harvard Business School (1952).
At business school he met his lifelong business partner and great friend, Jean de La Bruyère: following graduation, the two moved to Edmonton, Alberta and founded Maclab Enterprises.
Maclab went on to become a leading land developer in the 1950s to early 1980s, building housing and commercial properties from Medicine Hat to Yellowknife and from British Columbia to Saskatchewan.
Sandy was a force for civic good in his adopted hometown, serving as a founding trustee for the Citadel Theatre, Tempo School, the Boys and Girls Club, the Edmonton Art Gallery, and as a supporter of countless other endeavors.
An enthusiastic adventurer, he served as a pilot in the Royal Canadian Naval Air Service Reserve, and remained a flying enthusiast his entire life. He also piloted hot air balloons, auto raced in the Can Am circuit, and was an accomplished sailor.
Between 1975 and 1977, he suspended business activities to fulfill a lifelong dream of taking his family sailing to remote destinations in the South Pacific, where Sandy was as happy as he had ever been.
On his return, greeted by the severe recession gripping Alberta in the early 1980s, Sandy ceased new real estate development and devoted his life to higher education. He served on the boards of the University of Alberta, the American University of Beirut, and as a vice president of the Harvard Alumni Association. In 1990 he was appointed Chancellor of the University of Alberta, and following his term there was appointed interim Chair of the Board of Governors.
Sandy and his wife Cécile shared a lifelong fascination with and were avid collectors of Chinese Imperial art. In 2005 they donated part of their collection to the University of Alberta, thereby enabling the University to found the University of Alberta China Institute. He also donated the Mactaggart Nature Sanctuary, a 257-acre parcel within the city of Edmonton, to the University of Alberta and the City of Edmonton.
He was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada in 1997, and a member of the Alberta Order of Excellence in 1998. In later years he served as Honorary Colonel of the Loyal Edmonton Regiment, a position he enjoyed greatly.
Many and impressive as these honors and accomplishments are, the best parts of Sandy Mactaggart were his kind soul and humble nature. He always felt he stood on the shoulders of his ancestors, and never took sole credit for his successes, ascribing much of them to luck of birth and luck at being in the right place at the right time. He believed in giving back to the communities he lived in, and in the importance of always doing the right thing.
He was a profoundly decent and generous man.
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39 Entries
Mitch Cuadros
January 18, 2018
After working at a hotel in Coconut Grove, FL for 8 years I had the to privilege to serve Mr. Mactaggart through his amazing wife Mrs. Mactaggart. I will never forget him nor will any of my colleges who knew him over the years. My condolences to his family and my friend Mrs. Mactaggart.
Rest in peace.
Fiona Maillis
January 18, 2018
Condolences on your loss. By all accounts he was a remarkable man of good character. An honorable Scot. His father would have been proud. Proverbs 20:11 - Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work [be] pure, and whether [it be] right.. He has left a legacy of philanthropy. Wish I could have met you Sandy.
Walter Earle
November 23, 2017
Cecile, Mara, Fiona and Alastair, we are so sorry for your loss. Sandy was a great man and a very loving soul. He will remain in our memory forever, and we will include him in our prayers. With love, Walter & Stella Earle
Michael Silverwise
October 22, 2017
To Cecile (whom I know and cherish dearly), all of Sandy's children and family... I am so sorry for your loss. I only learned today of his passing and it simply crushed my heart. I didn't know him for all that long having met him about two years ago. But I must say that he impressed me to the point that I fell immediately in love with him (the same thing happened when I met Cecile years earlier). He shared the most interesting stories on a myriad of topics... all of which convinced me that he was an expert on them all. When we first met, I knew in an instant that he had led a huge and adventurous life and that he had a heart of gold. I could listen to that melodic beautiful voice of his for hours.
Sandy, I'm a better person for having met you. Rest in peace, good sir.
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DONALD MORRISON
October 5, 2017
It's terrible to hear about your loss and I express my sincere sympathy to you and your family.
Michelle Kemp
October 3, 2017
We are greatful to have had the privilege in knowing Mr M a giant of a man .
We used to be looking forward for his visit here on soldier in the winter , the best time ever , he will be missed daily .
To the entired Mactaggart family have our heartfelt condolences , be encourage for Mr M is in a better place .
MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE .
Genease & Michelle (Bahamas)
Hisashi Kumagai
October 1, 2017
Dear Mrs. Mactaggart, Mara, Fiona and Alastair
I was a house cook from 1974 to 75 (just a year) work together with Isao. This was my first job outside of Japan and had great experience with very little English. I do not know what to say about Mr. Mactaggart passed away but all I can say is that I learned "How to respect people and honest" from his family. I still have a lots of lovely memories of your family.
Hisashi Kumagai
Galway, Ireland
Brendan Robbins
August 5, 2017
I had the pleasure of first serving the Mactaggarts over 25 years ago at The University of Alberta's Faculty Club when I was a waiter during my high school years. Sandy was always a head above the rest and his smile and laugh would be a beacon in a crowded reception room. I left the Faculty Club in the mid 90's to pursue a hospitality education but little did I know my path would cross with the family again.
A very good friend Chef John Lizotte, was the personal chef to the Mactaggarts during their final years in Edmonton and he reached out to me to see if I could help him serve the family in their home (Soaring) during a Christmas week while their son, Alastair and his family were visiting. It was truly an honor and I remember having a number of brief but insightful talks with Sandy in his study as I prepare the table and chose the wines for each meal that visit. At the end of the week, I parted with the family and thanked them for the wonderful opportunity I had experienced, a short time later, I received a hand-written letter from Cecile thanking me for the assistance. I have been in the hospitality industry for over 30 years now and that sincere letter was one of my proudest touching moments.
I recently returned to the Faculty Club to take over as the General Manager upon Peter Graf's recent retirement and although I recognize many great club members from my earlier days, I miss the fact that I will not be able to once again see Sandy Mactaggart lighting up a crowded room here at the Club. All my best to the entire family on behalf of myself and The Faculty Club.
Eva Cherniavsky
August 1, 2017
Only today I learned of Dr. Mactaggart's passing. How can this news affect me so deeply when I only met this man a few times some eighteen years ago? I have been mourning all day long. Dr. Mactaggart was,beyond any doubt, an extraordinary human being. I had known him, and learned to admire him, in a professional way while he was the Chancellor of the University of Alberta from 1990 to 1994, where I was a lowly staff member. I will never forget that he took the time, amidst his overwhelmingly busy day, to send me the kindest congratulary, handwritten, two-page note in response to an article I had contributed to FOLIO, the University's newsletter. I remember walking around in a daze in my office all day long! But that event could not compare to the kindness, generosity, and wise counsel I received from him in 1999, when he granted me two extended interviews at his enchanting home to discuss his views on The Chancellor's Role in Policy Issues at the University of Alberta--the topic I had chosen for my Master's thesis in Adult and Higher Education. And I was not the ordinary young student--I had already retired from the University: most of my friends considered me somewhat eccentric to attempt my Master's at that time. Yet Dr. Mactaggart offered nothing but genuine support and encouragement--from beginning to end. Reading all the obituaries, I realize that my experience was no exception. Dr. Mactaggart lived a life of service to others because he truly believed that, in Mahatma Gandhi's words, "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." R.I.P. My deepest sympathies to the Mactaggart family.
Giselle Springfield
July 19, 2017
I have many fond memories of Mr. Mactaggart in the 7 tears I worked as a gardener at "Soaring". The one day I will never forget is the day we trapped a porcupine and were waiting for a wildlife officer to come and pick him up. Mr. M was very curious and came outside to check him out. While we were standing there the wildlife officer showed up and loaded the porcupine into the back of his truck. Mr. M asked him where he was going to release him and he asked Sandy if he knew where the Mactaggart Nature Sanctuary was. In Mr. Mactaggart's most humble way he just smiled,nodded his head and said he thought he had heard of it. It still makes me smile to think of how grounded and humble Sandy was for such a giving and successful man. That moment made me a better person.
July 13, 2017
While this may sound a little trite but just being around Sandy made me want to be a better person. Fair Winds...
Rick Riley ( Seaplane Pilot, Bahamas )
Michelle Hrynew (Hutton)
July 10, 2017
Our family had the pleasure of meeting the MacTaggart family and staying in their house (Soaring). I remember Sandy, he always had a smile on his face and enjoyed life to the fullest.
Our love and condolences to the family
July 10, 2017
I am no one in Sandy McTaggarts life but years ago I remember talking to him as part of my job in a call center setting up utility services. I don't recall the conversation but I will always remember his name and how respectful the conversation was. Funny that that one conversation has helped me build a belief that all people are equal and deserving of respect and everyone is important based on who they are and not what they have. That one little interaction made me a better person. I am sure he touched many peoples lives this way.
Nicole Brown
July 9, 2017
Dear Cecile, Mara, Fiona & Alastair,
It is difficult to lose someone who has done so much for his family and his community and he will be sadly missed by all. Cherish the many wonderful memories of this truly amazing man. My deepest sympathy and condolences to all of you.
Tricia Farrell
July 8, 2017
Do your little bit of good wherever you are. It is those little bits of good that overwhelm the world.
Desmond Tutu
No words are truer to the life and legacy of the man I always knew as Mr. M. It has been my great privilege and good fortune to have spent the last twenty-seven winters in his company as cook and accidental student. He has inspired, enriched and influenced the lives of so many, including this humble soul. I shall his miss his light more than I can express.
Sending the MacTaggart family much love and deepest sympathy.
Russell and Vickie McKinnon
July 8, 2017
We never met Sandy Mactaggart, but in common with many Albertans we have felt his generosity. One of our sons twice won the Noble Scholarship at Harvard, which Mr. Mactaggart endowed. And on our frequent visits to Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity we love the Maclab Bistro, an enduring addition to that marvellous place. Sincere condolences to the family, with profound gratitude for such a Citizen!
Elizabeth Yorath-Welsh
July 8, 2017
Dear Cecile & Family, It is with wonderful memories that we bid farewell to Sandy. The many truly great things he & you did for Edmonton will always be remembered! The memories I have of being at your home, the Summer I spent working for you when all your family were there is a treasured memory! Sandy was a wonderful mentor to many of us. I Thank you for everything you did for me! My Love & Heart felt wishes...
Dr. W. Rutherford
Dr W Rutherford
July 8, 2017
We are very sorry to note the passing of Sandy MacTaggart. He will be sorely missed. Notably Sandy purchased some land from us in the 1960s, overlooking the Saskatchewan River, where he built his residence (Soaring). Previously my grandfather, Cecil Rutherford, who passed away in the late 1950s had used the acreage for a summer retreat and had moved a cabin there. Sandy moved it again down to the lower level of the acreage, on the river, where it served as a home for their Chinese cook. McEwans ale was apparently Sandy's favourite, and I tried some at a young age when I was helping him clear bush. During that time I occasionally had lunch with Cecile, Fiona, Alastair and Eilah (a German Sheppard) on the front porch. The pool and tropical garden that Sandy built into the house was like a dream out of Shangri-La, compete with a waterfall, and an interesting island with underwater passages. Sandy created a wonderful legacy, from scratch, in Alberta and is an inspiring figure. His real estate development work, adventurous lifestyle and many unique contributions to Edmonton and the province will be fondly remembered.
Randy Yeats
July 7, 2017
Dear Cecile,Mara,Fiona,Alastair and Familes,
I met Mr. Mac a few times in backyards and Lake O'Hare, times I still cherish he was so warm, interesting and genuine. It is a great sadness I feel with his passing. My condolences.
Rob Clegg
July 7, 2017
I had the pleasure of doing business with Sandy at his home in Edmonton he was a fascinating person. The world has lost a great man but he has left a terrific legacy!
Sandra Kernerman, CFRE
July 7, 2017
Although we never met face to face, our organization, KSPS Public Television, is lucky to count the Mactaggarts as friends and to have benefited for many years from their generosity. Our hearts are sore to hear of this sorrowful loss. Our thoughts are with you, Mrs. Mactaggart. Thank you for your help, Mr. Mactaggart, rest well. Sandra Kernerman, KSPS Public Television
Arnold Blaustein MD
July 7, 2017
It was a pleasure AND HONOR for me to be Sandy's hematologist during his stay in cell Florida. Though he had a serious illnesses he handled them with dignity and a full understanding of his status. I wish to extend my condolences to his family.
Yvonne Carpanini
July 7, 2017
So difficult to put into words however a life to be celebrated - a man much admired feel fortunate to have known him since January 1955.. condolences to all his family.
Lori Janssens
July 6, 2017
He was such a gentle giant.... always smiling and standing tall....you will be sadly missed..
Raymond Grant
July 6, 2017
I am greatly saddened by the passing of Sandy Mactaggart. He and I were acquainted since the early 1980s, both through the U of A and the Edmonton Burns Club. I remember his reading the charge when I was admitted to the Club, and he was very kind to me when my book on Burns appeared in 1986. Sandy attended the Club's dinner whenever he could, and was always most congenial company. I fondly remember the occasion on which he gave the speech about the Twa Lands of Canada and Scotland, for his talk was most modest, gentlemanly, quietly stated, personal, and very moving. Members of the Club on several occasions enjoyed Ladies' Night at his home, eating around his pool and eyeing with some trepidation the rope hanging over the pool on which Sandy would swing from an upper level and plunge into the water; indeed, on one occasion he miscalculated and broke his arm. I knew Sandy also at the U of A in several guises, and he was always a welcome guest at the head table of my Burns Nights at the Faculty Club. Warmest sympathy and condolences are extended to Cecile and the family and to all of Sandy's friends and acquaintances. He was a gentle, kindly man, and he will be sorely missed. May he rest in peace with his ancestors now his wonderful life is, sadly, at an end.
Dr Raymond Grant
Professor Emeritus, U of A,
Chaplain, Edmonton Burns Club
A. John Pallas
July 6, 2017
Our sincerest condolences on the passing of a great man and builder of so many things.
Melinda Hollis
July 6, 2017
You will be missed. My deepest condolences to the family.
July 5, 2017
The best way
To predict the
Future is to
Create it.
P. Drucker
Sandy was an amazing man, So sorry for your loss. Edmonton was forturnate to have Sandy as one of it's own. I enjoyed working for Midwest ( Harrow Court) and remember meeting Sandy on many occasions.
Deb Bok
Thomas welsh
July 5, 2017
I Remember Mr mactaggart as clam pleasant man.
Anna Fischbein
July 5, 2017
"There are only two ways to live your life.One is as though nothing is a miracle.The other is as though everything is a miracle." Albert Einstein.
Sandy lived his life as though everything was a miracle.And he was a miracle as well.
Dr.Anna Fischbein.
BJ Busch
July 5, 2017
I had the privilege of serving with Sandy on the Board of Governors. He was such a kind and thoughtful man, and always looked for the best in people. He is sorely missed.
Ute McInnes
July 5, 2017
Please accept our condolences for the loss of your husband, father and grandfather. What a wise and humble man Mr.M was.
It was an honour to work for and know your family.
With love,
Allan & Ute McInnes
Joan Stanley
July 5, 2017
Dear Cecile, Mara, Fiona & Alastair,
What an honour & a blessing to have known the kind & generous Sandy. We send our very deep sympathy.
The Stanley Family - Joan, Mary Lou, Russell & Donald
Loreli Madiuk
July 5, 2017
Dear Alastair, Fiona, Mara and families. I was saddened to hear of your father's passing. It was truly an honor and privilege to have worked for Maclab for 11 years and I have many fond memories of your father during my time there. I will always remember his genuine smile and the stories he shared. He made everyone he met feel special and important. He has left an incredible legacy, but the most important one of course being his family. You are all such wonderful people! I lost my dad in Sept of 2015 and I know what you are going through. My deepest condolences to all of you, and of course to your Mom.
July 5, 2017
Thankyou for helping me when I most needed help.
Genease&Michelle Kemp
July 5, 2017
we were very grateful to have known a Giant of a man , Mr M was a Humble , careing and loving man . He will be missed here on Soldier Cay and in our heart daily . Sleep on Mr M . May His Soul Rest In Peace .
Blythe Butler
July 5, 2017
Fiona, Alistair, Mara and Mrs, Mactsggart,
I write this message with a heavy heart. I know both my mother and father loved Mr. Mactsggart and the time they had with your family. My memories of him are very fond - mostly through how much my dad respected him. I shall never forget your family's generosity and kindness to ours. Mr. Mactsggart set an example of how to live a good life. Our family is grateful our lives crossed his. Our deepest condolences.
Patrick Reilly
July 5, 2017
It was my ultimate pleasure and honour to be your pilot for the past nine years. We had grand experiences in so many different countries that I shall cherish forever. I think our last flight together on June 20th from Belfast to Islay and around the estate will be the most memorable and cherished. Blue skies on your final journey sir.
Rolando & Doris Puch
July 5, 2017
It was an honor and a privilege to share some moments with such a brilliant and interesting mind. We will miss him.
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