Ronald Brian MacKay, 70, of Middleton, Colchester Co., NS passed away at home surrounded by his wife and children on March 28th, 2024.

Ron was born April 23rd, 1953 to Anita Jean (Matheson) and Freeman Charles MacKay in Tatamagouche, NS.

Ron married Myrna (Blenkhorn) on December 27th, 1973, recently celebrating 50 years together. They had three children together, Jeremy, Genesta and Jerad.

Ron was a man of many talents and abilities. He spent the majority of his working years in many trades as a member of the Canadian Air Force. He was an aircraft mechanic and crew member, later branching out into non-destructive testing and search and rescue.  After retiring from the military, Ron enjoyed working again as an aircraft mechanic and crew member, fighting wildfires in BC and AB.

Ron enjoyed fishing, hiking, gardening, camping, skiing, storm watching, taking the back roads, playing catch and working on his old Toyota trucks.  He was a gentle and kind husband, father and grandfather. Ron instilled in his family a love for adventuring. He believed that "we might not know where we are, but we are never lost".   Ron's unplanned adventures made for some of the best stories and memories.  His door was always open for an unplanned visit from new and old friends and family.  Ron frequently offered up a skilled hand and an ear to listen.  He was the friend you wanted at your party for a good time and was always up for a dance.  Ron told great stories and loved to make people laugh. Even when facing his life's greatest challenges, he did it with humour and courage. If you were ever lucky enough to get a hug from Ron, you knew it was strong enough to hold you up. He gave the best hugs and they will be greatly missed.

Ron is survived by his wife Myrna and his children Jeremy (Chasity), Genesta (Nathan), and Jerad;  his grandchildren Challen, Korbin, Neilah, Quinn, Emmett and Juniper; his brothers John (Betty), Gerry (Pat), and Murray (Mary-Lou) and many nieces and nephews. Ron was predeceased by his parents, Freeman and Anita; and nephew, Tyler MacKay.

The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at the Aberdeen Hospital, Dr. Dan MacDonald, Dr. Cortney Smith, Martha Ferguson, the staff of the Odd Fellows Lodge, the staff at C.G. Fultons Pharmacy and the nurses of the VON.  Much love to "Ron's Angels"; Chasity, Jill, Susan, Angela, Treva, and Sara. Big thanks and love to the many family and friends that helped in ways big and small; you all helped make it possible for Ron to be at home where he wanted to be.

A celebration of life will take place this summer 2024. Ron was a lover of all animals therefore, in lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to an animal rescue organization or charity of choice. Cremation and Arrangements have been entrusted to Coulter's Funeral Home, Tatamagouche.