Douglas McKay Obituary

McKAY, Douglas Moncrief February 16, 1930 - September 21, 2013 Douglas entered peacefully into the presence of his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ at home and surrounded by his loving family on September 21, 2013. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Sharon and his daughters, Shannon McKay; Kelly and son-in-law and Pastor Timothy Klaassen; Jennifer/(Kevin Rheault)(Ottawa) and his sons Bruce McKay (Caroline)of Sydney, NS, Brian McKay (Linda) Winnipeg, MB and Geoffrey McKay (Shelene) St Albert, AB as well as his brothers Geoff and James McKay (Windsor, ON). He is also survived by his greatest treasures - his 16 grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents and his brother William Sherwood McKay. Douglas grew up in Windsor, ON one of 4 sons of William and Gertrude McKay. At the age of 18 he joined the RCMP (#15609) and served with honour and distinction till retirement in 1968 after 20 years. He entered the business world alongside his brother for the next 10 years till moving to British Columbia in 1979 where he founded and operated McKay's TV and Audio BC Ltd., also known as the local Nanaimo "iconic" Madman McKay's. For the next 20 years he grew and expanded the business to cover Vancouver Island from Courtenay to Victoria and also opened stores in Kelowna and Prince George. By the 1990's he concentrated his efforts to the Island to build a solid foundation for the business and will always be known fondly by many as "the Madman". In 1983 Douglas turned the direction of his life over to his Lord Jesus Christ and grew his business and family and interests to glorify Him. He was on the Board of Camp Qwanoes in Crofton, The Ligthhouse Harbour Ministry in Nanaimo, helped his dear friend David Evans republish his daily devotional book called Daily Encouragement, and mentored many people along the way. He was an active member of his beloved church families both in Parksville at Parksville Fellowship Baptist Church and many years at his home church of Departure Bay Baptist Church in Nanaimo. Here he served faithfully and joyfully for many years on Building Committees, Usher, and his greatest joy providing fun and experiences for everyone but especially young people. Douglas gave many people, young and old their first experience in flying, or boating and waterskiing - always leading by example such as by waterskiing well in to his 70's much to the chagrin of his family. He was also a member of the R.C.M.P. Vancouver Island Veteran's Assoc., as well both the Nanaimo and Parksville/Qualicum Flying Clubs and finally in the PDQ Flyers Association for RC Model planes. Douglas had a great passion for life, he loved the ocean whether sailing on it, power boating through it, or swimming in or under it. He sailed around Vancouver Island with his friend Marty in 1996. If he wasn`t on the ocean he was flying an airplane across it or the Rocky Mountains. He dreamed of flying the Alaska Highway and again with his friend Marty they packed sleeping bags and headed out after a trip to Alberta but the smoke from forest fires that year turned them back before they were able to complete their flight. Nothing much deterred the Madman from going where he dreamed and doing something exciting. His family both local and across the country were his greatest love and he instilled in them all a sense of love and fun and none have a doubt that he loved the Lord and loved them. He was a wonderful husband, great Dad, fun Grampa, a good friend and a faithful servant. He will be much missed but his impact will be felt for a long time and signs of him will be seen in his grandchildren for years to come. His legacy of a life well lived, loving the Lord, helping others, working hard and having fun along the way in spite of pain and hardship will never be forgotten. A 'Celebration of Life' service will be held on Saturday, September 28 at 1:30 p.m. at Departure Bay Baptist Church, 3510 Departure Bay Road, Nanaimo, BC. Donations may be made to Seeds of Hope or Camp Qwanoes by those who desire to do so. Information will be available at the service.



This obituary was originally published in the Nanaimo Daily News and Harbour City Star (Nanaimo, BC).