We are sad to announce that after a two-week period, where a deadly combination of medical complications ensued, Malcolm’s life ended at 11:00pm on July 31, 2021 in North Vancouver, BC. Both of his children were by his side during the last two weeks and made sure that he understood how much he meant to them.
We honour Malcolm at this time, without pomp and circumstance, as was his wish, but not without a soulful recognition of his life. At the bottom of this page, please use the ‘Leave Condolences’ space to add memories that stand out for you, or anything you would like to contribute. Graham and Cynthia would really appreciate having your input, as this memorial will be a lasting keepsake for them. If you have already written to Graham or Cynthia via email, could you please rewrite your words on this page. Thank you.
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Malcolm was born in Montreal on December 6th, 1928 to Margaret McDonald and was brought up in a loving home in Chateauguay, Quebec with his mother and grand-parents, Arthur and Catherine McDonald. Mackie recognized the work ethic and dedication of his mother and always spoke of his grand-parents with great respect and adoration.
As a child, Mac grew up playing and competing in sports including hockey, rowing, and tennis. He also loved to sing and was part of the glee club in Chateauguay. Music would end up being the true gateway to his heart. Mac admired talented musicians and as an adult, he would routinely come to tears when listening to music that he loved. When asked why he was crying, he would simply respond, “Because it’s so beautiful”.
Mackie told stories and would chuckle about times like going to school, Mary Gardener Elementary, in the morning by horse and carriage with Oborne Lang. After delivering milk around town, and finally arriving at school, they would slap the horse’s behind and tell him to “go home”, and somewhat to their surprise, the horse always did. Later, when going to Montreal High in the city, he would describe how impressed he was when listening to Oscar Petersen, as a boy, playing the piano during recesses and lunch times in the school auditorium.
Mackie had fond memories of his longtime friend, Bob McFetridge, and described how he would fly his small plane overhead, right down close to the Chateauguay Heights tennis club, when he knew Mac was playing on the courts.
Mackie found jobs where he could learn about an industry and grow in a company. He started out working as a mail boy at Crane and ended his working life as a dedicated and productive sales manager at Ontor Ltd. (industrial equipment agents), where he worked for over 30 years.
As an adult, Mac continued to love sports and had natural athletic abilities. He played tennis throughout his life and became an avid golfer. Tennis however, would become the seed and the fruit of his future family. While playing tennis at Monkland Tennis Club in Montreal, his good friend, Walter Wilson, brokered his first meeting with Phyllis Geraldine DeGrace. Apparently, she had her eyes set on Mackie when he was playing tennis one day (maybe it was the perfectly classic one-handed backhand?). Shy and awkward, but urged by his friend, Mac made the move and asked Phyllis out on a date. Unusual as a first date, Mackie invited Phyllis to a wedding where he was to be the best man. It was Bill and Lou Black’s wedding. Bill ended up being a close friend to Mac throughout the next 70 years. The wedding date must have gone well enough as Mackie and Phyllis were married a few years later in Edmundston, New Brunswick.
Mackie would recount that it was not until they bought the 34 St. Francis ’nest’ that Phyllis would get pregnant. Unusually old for new parents of that era, Mac and Phyllis had their two children in 1963 and 1965. Their parenting styles complemented one another; Mackie’s calm, balancing nature diluting the highs and the lows of Phyllis’ proactive approach.
As the sole provider to the family for many years, Mac had a penchant for buying and selling cars and on more than one occasion, would drive into the driveway with a new car, totally unexpected by the family. Particularly memorable was the long gold 1973 Cadillac Seville, a big source of pride for Mackie. Phyllis would generally get over the shock of a new car after a few days. Mackie created a wonderful little life for his family in Chateauguay and was easily able to enjoy the simple moments.
He would often sing Frank Sinatra songs while doing dishes, seemingly the happiest guy to be wearing an apron with his hands in soapy water. Mac luckily had a disposition that allowed him to manage disappointment and pressure and he did not let life’s challenges manifest into stress. Two Tylenol and a nap was often his ‘go to’ remedy for anything and everything.
Mac was fascinated with the grandeur of cruise boats. He knew a lot about the size and capacity of ships like the Q-E 2, but sadly, he never did get the chance to go on a cruise.
Mac had a special connection and love for animals (dogs, cats, horses). He would instantly light up when he was around them and would insist on cuddling them, whether they liked it or not. It was a similar thing with young children. He would spend time playing with them, trying to scare them, and giving them candy and chocolate, whether their parents liked it or not!
After Phyllis’ passing in 1988, Mackie spent more time on the golf course and would visit Graham and Cynthia in Vancouver on a yearly basis. Mackie was committed to looking after his mother, throughout her life, and particularly in her senior years, until she passed away at 100 years old. At that point, Mac moved from Quebec to BC to be with his two children, where he lived for just over ten years.
His friends and family will always remember him for his quick wit and dry sense of humour. He was able to use sarcasm without ever offending anyone. He told variations of the same jokes for years, always enjoying a playful jab aimed at loved ones.
Mackie infused his family with his love for tennis, skiing, and golf, and they enjoyed many wonderful vacations centred around these sports.
In later years, Mac, Graham and Cynthia (and some unsuspecting fourth) played golf together, and Mac would always make good fun of someone’s ‘unusual shot selection’ (usually Cynthia’s). Tennis would continue to be a strong vein running through Mac’s life. Being a family of four, the Whytes enjoyed playing mixed doubles together. More interested in having fun and mocking errors than beating the opponents, these times were filled with laughter and positive energy.
In later years, Mac would enjoy watching his two kids play mixed doubles together in numerous tournaments. Graham adopted his father’s sense of humour on the court, much to his sister’s chagrin! It is the sport that made the family and, as history would repeat itself, it is through tennis that Cynthia finally met her true life partner, Dave Rea, someone Mac thought very highly of. Most recently, Mac was soothed by the idea that Dave would be looking out for his daughter going forward.
Mac gave his two kids all the opportunities he could afford. He was proud of Graham and Cynthia and he repeatedly told them how much he loved them and how much they meant to him. He loved to explore new places and would agree to go and do most anything his daughter would suggest. He admired his son for sticking to his beliefs and living his life according to his own values. His unyielding love and acceptance of his children, no matter what chapter of life they were in, is what made him a special dad.
Barry Pennykid was a dear and loyal friend to Mac in the BC years. They enjoyed many a golf game, which eventually got replaced with just the restaurant lunch, and then finally became a simple ice cream outing – all so much appreciated by Mac and his family in the last ten years.
Mackie was supportive and generous with everyone he cared about. Anyone who spent any time with him would feel the warmth of his gentle demeanour and would feel at ease looking into his eyes, seeing no judgement in return. Mac was truly one of the most genuine people you could ever meet.
Malcolm Whyte was a dedicated and patient husband, a loyal son, a generous and witty friend, and a talented athlete. His unwavering love and devotion to his children, is without a doubt, the greatest gift he has given, and will stay alive in us forever.
One of Mac’s favourite Frank Sinatra songs, which personifies the simple love and joy that he exemplified throughout his life, is ‘Fly me to the moon’. As you listen to this song, let the memories of Mac pour into your soul. He listened to this song during the last weeks of his life, and as we held his hand, we could see how important the music was to him still, buoying him to the end.
youtu.be/ZEcqHA7dbwM
Description of pictures found below:
1 – Mac in his youth
2 – Mac, Cynthia, Graham and Phyllis in Magog, Quebec
3 – Mac making the volley at the Chateauguay Heights Tennis Club
4 – Mackie with great golf form
5 – Mac full of joy
6 – Mackie and mother, Margaret
7 – Mac and Cynthia’s dog, Tajo (his big love)
8 – Mac and Cynthia in Vancouver
9 – Mac and Graham in Vancouver
10- Mac on July 3, 2021, during an ice cream outing with his 2 kids
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Malcolm Mackie Mac Graham Whyte December 6 1928 July 31 2021..
Décès pour la Ville: Vancouver, Province: Colombie britanique