William 'Bill' McKay

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of William "Bill" Ross McKay of New Glasgow, Nova Scotia on April 21, 2024 at the age of 89. Bill passed peacefully at home with family by his side. His journey was shared by his loving wife, Cavell (Joudrey). They married February 4, 1957.

Born in New Glasgow on December 7, 1934 to John and Catherine (Warwick) McKay, Bill lived in New Glasgow his entire life. During his early years, he was an avid rugby and basketball player and was a member of the 1949 Nova Scotia Senior Interscholastic English Rugby Champions. As an adult, his interests included: Albion Lodge #5 (Past Master) and many other concordant bodies of Masonry; Pictou County Shriners Club; New Glasgow Minor Hockey; Trinity Church Sunday School; Stellarton Vocational School Board of Directors; the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans; and Local 244 Plumbers and Pipefitters Pension Plan Board of Trustees. He had a lifelong love for his family, community, cottage, and gardens. 

Bill was a plumber by trade and spent his 40-year career working at and managing the local family plumbing and heating business that operated in Eastern Nova Scotia.

Having touched many lives with his kindness, humour, and generosity, Bill will be truly missed by family and friends. He is survived by his four children: Valerie (Danny) Bowes, Ladysmith, BC; Bill (Claire), New Glasgow, NS; Cindy (Randy) Minion, Iowa City, IA; and John (Darlene Delaney), Ottawa, ON; his nine grandchildren: Ashley Bowes (Andrew Rambold), Victoria, BC; Daniel Bowes, Courtenay, BC; Kathleen Bowes, Victoria, BC; Matthew McKay (Christina Cleroux), Halifax, NS; Kelsey McKay (Adrian Carty), Halifax, NS; Kelly Minion (Alanna Durand), Kingston, NS; Sarah Minion, Phoenix, AZ; Hannah Minion (Austin Swank), Phoenix, AZ; and Liam McKay, Ottawa, ON; his two great-grandchildren: Tori (Kathleen) and Isabelle (Kelly and Alanna).

Bill is also survived by his brother, George (Joan nee Chisholm) New Glasgow, NS and was predeceased in 2000 by his brother, Rev. John Robert "Bob". 

The family would especially like to thank Dr. Imran Hack for his expert care over the years, and the nurses and doctors of the Aberdeen Hospital who have provided excellent care during prior hospital stays.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, April 27 from 4-6pm at R.H. Porter Funeral Home, 55 Almont Avenue, New Glasgow, NS. Prior to the Saturday visitation, there will be a Masonic Service at 3:30 pm. Funeral service will be held on Sunday, April 28 at 2 pm at Trinity United Church, Temperance Street, New Glasgow.

Family flowers only please. Memorial donations may be made to the Aberdeen Health Foundation New Glasgow, NS or a charity of your choice.