Live Stream

To view the live stream of the Funeral Mass on Friday November 4, 2022 at 11 am click here: Jack McKay Live Stream

Obituary

John McKay, 85, loved by many as "Papa Jack", passed away at Ian Anderson House in Oakville in the wee hours of October 29, 2022 with his sons, Eamon and Kevin, by his side.

Jack was born on September 24, 1937.  He was the oldest son and started working at the age of 13 to help support his single mom.  Hard work defined much of Jack's life and he never wavered in his commitment to supporting his family.  From the start, Jack's greatest joy in life was his family.  After arriving in Canada from Ireland in 1965 with his wife Margaret, along with her sisters Noreen and Josephine and brother-in-law Tom, they built a life that brought them from Scarborough to Dundalk, Mimico and eventually Oakville, always keeping close to family.  Whether it was in the east end or the west end, Jack was always happy to be at family gatherings that were filled with laughter and inevitably included a toast from Jack that brought everyone to tears, including himself! He loved a good sentimental speech or singing a traditional Irish tune!

Jack and Margaret built a wonderful life in Canada with their sons Kevin and Eamon, always keeping a close connection with Josie, Tom and their children Michael, Joanne and Laura and Noreen and Susan. The family grew to include daughters-in-law Jillian and Suzanne and five grandkids, Reilly, Connor, Katherine, Josh and Jack.

His work in hospitality in numerous hotels in Ireland including the famous Midland Hotel and as a Maitre D' at the Bristol Place in Toronto made for some good stories about Pat Quinn, Bryan Adams, Jean Chretien, Hazel McCallion and Ben Crenshaw among others.  Boy did Jack love a good story!  People were his life's work and whether it was at the River Oaks gym, Tim Hortons at Trafalgar and Dundas, the TD bank or the grocery store, Jack made personal connections and was always happy to brag about his grandkids and their accomplishments.

There has never been a prouder Papa who was so deeply invested in his five grandkids as well as his great nieces and nephews.  Jack was a fixture at Oakville Rangers games where he was often found chatting away to the other parents.  He never wanted to miss out on any events including volleyball games and Crusaders rugby.  He was a fixture in the River Oaks neighborhood, stopping by his son's place, always happy to take Josh and whoever else was home for a Timmy's run.  Jack had a real sweet tooth and loved his after-eights, licorice all-sorts, fruit and nut bars and most importantly his apple fritters and sour cream glazed donuts!

A highlight for Jack was his annual visit to Ireland where he would reconnect with his brother and sister, Betty and Danny, and their Belfast clan.  It was a highlight for Jack this summer to have Betty, Ian, Debbie, Mark, Che and Emma visit. We were so grateful for the perfect timing.

Jack's relationships went beyond family and included his best friend Frank, who was loyal to the last day.  Jack was a stranger to no one and would light up when he saw familiar faces, always taking time to honk his horn and give a wave or stop for a visit.

Everyone who knew Jack felt his big heart and giving nature. Rarely was there a time when he didn't have polo mints, gatorade, granola bars or some other treats for the kids when he saw them.  He will be missed especially by his five grandchildren and his extended grandkids, Ian, Aidan, Katie, Ethan, Robbie, Rian and Michael.

The family would like to thank Dr. Surbey and the staff and volunteers at Ian Anderson House for their compassionate care during Jack's short stay. We would also like to thank all of our family and friends for their support and prayers, meals and drives, specifically Laura, Joanne, Rachel, and Kerry who spent time with Jack prior to his passing and made him feel very loved.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to Ian Anderson House .