Douglas John MacKay

With deep sadness, we announce the passing of Douglas John MacKay on May 19, 2025, at the age of 68.

Doug was born in North Vancouver to Arnold and Gladys MacKay (née Rasmussen). The eldest of five boys, he is survived by his mother and four brothers: Dan (Shareen), Gord, Bob (Michele), and Brian (Carrie) along with many beloved extended family members.

Doug met his wife, Faye, in Saskatoon in 1977 while completing his Civil Engineering degree at the University of Saskatchewan. They married a year later near Pekisko, Alberta, beginning a partnership marked by adventure, rainy camping trips, and enduring love.

Doug and Faye’s early years took them to Edmonton, then Victoria, where their first child, Ken, was born. Later, they moved to New Zealand, where daughters Jacqueline and Angela joined the family. In 1992, they returned to Canada to be closer to family, settling in Creston, BC, a place Doug cherished for its beauty, hiking and reliable four seasons. Their youngest, Ian, was born there.

A thoughtful and meticulous civil engineer, Doug followed his father’s advice: “measure twice, cut once” and “don’t get stuck in one job.” He held roles with Graham, CANA, EllisDon, and Dominion Construction in Canada; Fletcher and Downer Construction in New Zealand; then later ran his own business (MacKay Engineering) and served as town engineer in Creston, BC. In the later part of his career, he found particular fulfillment working with the Public Works department in Lumby and Armstrong, BC. He was a founding investor in a lumber mill and also helped manage Faye’s Creston clinic, Summit Medical. Although he retired in 2020 after their move to New Brunswick, he did not stop working. He poured time into building, renovation and fixing projects for family, friends, and community with precision and quiet generosity. With a rare instinct for using design to improve life, his building creations were built to work for people, and to last.

Doug loved the great outdoors and strove to live sustainably to honour the natural world. With family and friends, he hiked trails and climbed mountains, backpacked with Ken, and found joy in hockey, golf, fishing, and curling. At the age of 64, he took up tennis as his new outlet. He loved snowshoeing and running. A devoted reader, he took great pride in lifelong learning, staying up to date on the current trends in economics, technology, and sustainable building.

Above all, Doug found meaning in connection and service, even as his world became smaller due to a rare brain disorder. He was a steadfast, loving, and generous presence in the lives of his beloved children: Ken (Cecilia), Jacqueline (Kaveh), Angela (Andy), and Ian; and his much-adored grandchildren: Max, Elly, Milo, Hugo, Evelyn and Harriet. His happiest moments, right to the end, were with family and friends, especially children. He will be remembered for his patience, humility, quiet strength, and unwavering love. As a husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, son, and friend, he will be deeply missed.

The family wishes to thank those who supported Doug and Faye throughout his illness, including treasured friends and family all over the world, the First Saskatchewan Lutheran Church, and all of the compassionate, skilled medical professionals who were on his team.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, May 30, 2025, at 2 p.m. at First Saskatchewan Lutheran Church, Langham, SK. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Rare Dementia Support Canada (https://raredementiasupport.ca/donate/) or a charity of your choice in Doug’s memory.

Cherished Memories is honoured to be entrusted with the care and arrangements for Doug.