MacKay, Donald Gail
Donald Gail MacKay, in his 83rd year, passed away peacefully with family by his side on December 28th, 2022. Predeceased by his loving wife, Marlene, his parents Donald and Laura MacKay, and sisters-in-laws Lora MacKay and Gail Ann MacKay. Gail leaves behind his children Robb (Robin), Kim, (Brian), Trace (Stephen), and Dan (Meg). Gail was a proud papa to Alex, Tom, Scott, Aggy, Forrest, and Teddy, and ready-made grandkids, Jake, and Michaela. Gail is survived by his siblings Larry-John, Valerie, Sandy, Kevin, and Merilee. Gail was loved by his brothers and sisters-in-law Jack, Ruth, David, Marilyn, Lynn and Don, Ken, Bill and Bob, and Lana, many nieces and nephews, cousins, bandmates as well as fellow Masons, Shriners, and teachers.
Gail was a lifelong Ingersoll resident, most recognized as the drum major, leading the Ingersoll Pipe Band in many parades – he received his 70-year pin earlier in December. He served on town council and led the charge (Let’s Pool Together!) to have the Victoria Park Community Centre and indoor pool built. He was a devoted Mason and active Shriner, serving as Potentate in 2008 and member of the Royal Scots of Mocha Pipe Band. Gail was a teacher and principal in Beachville, Tillsonburg, and Ingersoll, and in his retirement, a school bus driver. If you needed a skunk trapped, some smokey maple syrup, or an extra-large vegetable, Gail was your man. Gail was a long-time Canasta partner to Aunt Lora, a fearless euchre player, and a renowned worm-washer (his version of fishing). Potato chips would fly from the recliner chair when the Leaf’s scored or the Blue Jays notched up a homerun. Although it has been many years since Gail doffed a ball uniform, he was a slo-pitch pitcher, coach, and league treasurer.
Gail’s family would like to thank Merilee, Kevin, and Lana for supporting dad in staying in his home to the end, and his nurses at Woodstock General Hospital (Heather, Gemma, Jenna, and Trish) for giving him a comfortable and peaceful last day. A special thank you to Dr. Tara Walker for years of excellent care and making herself available to his family.
A private family service will be held in January, with a full memorial service held later this spring. Memorial donations can be made to the Ingersoll Pipe Band or Shriners Hospitals for Children.
Personal condolences may be posted at www.mcbeathdynes.ca
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Gail MacKay 2022 and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.
McBeath-Dynes Funeral Home Ltd.
Death notice for the town of: Ingersoll, Province: Ontario