KEVIN WILLIAM MACKAY

Condolences & Memories (9 entries)

• My deepest condolences to Joyce, Beth, and Cameron. Kevin and I were teammates with the Under 16 and Under 18 provincial select soccer teams in the late 1970's. Kevin was one of the most highly skilled and smartest players on these teams and was well respected by all. He was the innovator of what I refer to as the "stutter step" in which he appeared to the defender as if he was stumbling only to accelerate and leave them in the dust. I believe Ronaldinho, Ronaldo (both Brazilian and Portuguese versions) should be indebted to Kevin for his creativity. Kevin and I crossed paths on various occasions over the years at reunions and when he was the coach of my nephew's soccer team! In Kevin's presence, it was immediately apparent that he was the smartest person in the room but he was never condescending and he was always interested in what you had to say. The boys (Ronny, Mike, Neil, Ken, Rex, and numerous others) will toast to you at our next gathering, my friend!! - Posted by: Guy Gaudreau (Former Teammate) on: Apr 12, 2023

• I am so sad to hear of Kevin's passing. He was a wonderful person and enjoyed getting to know him over the years working at 50/50. He was always so kind, outgoing and talked about how much his family meant to him. Sending my condolences to his family, sending love, comfort and strength during these difficult days. I am sorry to miss his celebration of life. May his memory be eternal. - Posted by: Tanya Apostolopoulos (Jets Colleague ) on: Apr 11, 2023

• So sad to hear the news that Kevin has left our world. It was a real privilege to know him and share many happy times with him - even hunting for his thumb nail before one of their wonderful Pictionary parties. Watching the northern lights at the Forks. Sunday meals at his mums with the famous pink stuff and card games. He always laughed, he always kept calm and saw the bright side of life. Cheers to those happy times, thank goodness memories last forever. - Posted by: Caroline Mathiad (Friend ) on: Apr 10, 2023

• My deepest condolences go out to Joyce, Beth and Cameron. Kevin will be deeply missed. I will forever cherish time spent with Kevin growing up. We both shared a passion for basketball as we played and coached together. He was known for his toughness, IQ and competitiveness. Nobody wanted to win more than him. I also have fond memories playing sponge hockey and going to Jets 1.0 games at the old arena. I will especially miss our conversations about school, teaching and our kids as they were growing up. He was a well respected educator and administrator. So many memories. Going to miss you buddy, RIP. - Posted by: Curt Bauer (Friend) on: Apr 09, 2023

• So sad to hear of the passing of Kevin. He was my soccer coach with Dynamo. His love of the game was so strong and he passed that on to all that he coached. He treated us with respect and taught us to play the game with the will to win and compete hard, but to be a true sportsman and respect our competition. On behalf of the many players that played for him on some truly amazing Dynamo teams, our deepest condolences to all family and friends. - Posted by: Chris LIght (friend) on: Apr 08, 2023

• Mr. Mackay was my principal and grade 7 girls' basketball coach at Munroe Junior High. He had a tough love policy that for those who knew him well, knew was mostly love. My fondest memory of Mr. Mackay was during one of our last basketball games of the season in 2016. There weren't enough grade 7 girls at Munroe to make up an entire basketball team, so Mr. Mackay brought the four of us onto the grade 8 girls team. At 13, I was on the smaller side of my class, and I had (and still have) about zero athletic abilities. I hadn't scored all season, and I was getting decently frustrated about it. Towards the end of the season I had finally found myself with the opportunity to score a basket- no one was defending me, I was racing down the court with determination and speed. I shot, and I scored! I was ecstatic. Until a fan shouted "wrong net!". Whoops. Ridiculously embarrassed, I came off the court to a cheery Mr. Mackay - "Hey, at least you made the basket!". He gave me a high five and we had a laugh. You could tell that Mr. Mackay was serious about basketball. He loved the game and he loved coaching, but he never let it diminish our spirits. My sincerest condolences to all his family and friends. Mr. Mackay was a great man, and I know I speak for many young people when I say he had a profound impact on my life. Thank you for sharing your husband and dad with all of us, he will be greatly missed. - Posted by: Emma Harris (Former Student) on: Apr 08, 2023

• There are so many memories running through my thoughts right now. Kevin, Heather, and Kathleen spent many hours and lunches in our home. My Mom cared for them when Mrs. Mackay went back to work after Kevin was born. Kevin carried Mom’s waffle recipe in his wallet when he was at River East, so he and his friend could make waffles at lunch. At Mr. Mackay’s memorial service, he introduced Mom to Beth and Cameron as The Waffle Lady. Mom loved that. I have no experience with Kevin as an educator, but I do have a tribute regarding his tenure at John G.Stewart. Two grandchildren of a co-worker of mine were sent there. Bonnie was angry and upset at first, but it didn’t take long before she told me it was the best thing that could have happened to them. I can think of no greater legacy than having a positive influence on children who have experienced life in a way that no child ever should. Joyce, Beth, Cody, and Cameron, Heather, John, and Ian, we are so sad and sorry for the loss of Kevin in your lives. Dorothy for The Bueckerts - Posted by: Dorothy Bueckert Penner (Daughter of The Waffle Lady) on: Apr 08, 2023

• There are no words to understand why Heaven needed such a wonderful person at this time in his life. But for those of us that had the privilege of knowing Kevin during his time on this earth, we were truly blessed. He positively touched so many people in his path as a husband, father, teacher, coach, mentor and friend. He was a perfect model for what it means to be a kind, gentle and genuine human being. My heartfelt condolences to Kevin’s family. 💕 Thoughts and prayers to you all throughout this time of this profound loss. Kevin, your dad, will be embracing you from above now and for always. - Posted by: Carolyn Perrett (Friend/colleague ) on: Apr 08, 2023

• Those of us who knew Kevin well were truly blessed. His love of his family and commitment to youth and community changed so many lives. From the endless pranks we pulled in high school to getting to work with him at Knowles/John G. Stewart,.the happy families at his retirement from Munroe….Joyce and family you are in our prayers. - Posted by: sandra Johnson franz (Friend) on: Apr 08, 2023