Melville MacKAY

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MacKAY: Melville Morton. Mel was born May 29, 1930, in RM of Whitehead, MB to Iola (Drummond) and Herb MacKay. He passed away in Brandon, MB on Saturday, September 5, 2015, at the age of 85. After attending Dalton and Alexander Schools, Mel completed his formal education with a two-year Agriculture Diploma at the University of Manitoba. One of his fondest school memories was his involvement in Youth Parliament which took him to the Manitoba Legislative Building in Winnipeg. His informal education continued for more than fifty years as he farmed 25-10-22, and several other sections, northwest of Alexander, MB. Mel married Joyce (Delbridge) on August 13, 1952. During their life together, as they raised their crops and cattle, they also raised four sons. Mel attended many of their sporting and school events, a tradition that continued with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mel also found time to be actively engaged with the Masons, Manitoba Pool as a delegate, Alexander Curling Club and Alexander United Church Board. Together with Joyce, Mel shared countless laughs and fond memories with many, many groups of friends, including the "River Rats". In his later years, Mel took up numerous individual activities including jogging and the trumpet. In 1997, they sold the farm, moved to Brandon, and 'farmed' their large garden and yard, which was the envy of many. With Joyce, he leaves four sons: Brian (Cheryl), Rick (Merril), Brad (Glenda) and Gary (Michelle); grandchildren: Ashley (Mike), Kyle, Lauren (Rob), Kelli, Jason (Erin), Adam (Karen), Kyle (Melissa) and Trevon (Stephanie); great-grandchildren: Harper, Leighton and Ardyn. He also leaves to remember him, siblings: Lola (Harold), Beth (Milo) and Rollie (Carol); sisters-in-law Donna (Ray) and Wilma (Bill), as well as nieces and nephews. Mel was predeceased by sister-in-law Muriel, and nephew, Craig. Private interment will occur at the Alexander Cemetery with Rev. Harvey Hurren officiating. Mel's grandchildren are pallbearers. A Come and Go reception will be held at Memories Chapel, 330-18th Street North on Friday, September 11, 2015 from 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm. For those choosing to do so, and in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mel's memory to the Canadian Diabetes Association, A1, 800 Rosser Avenue, Brandon, MB R7A 6N5 or to a charity of choice. Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.memorieschapel.com.

As published in Brandon Sun on Sep 09, 2015