In life we loved you dearly, in death we do the same.
It broke our hearts to lose you, you did not go alone,
for part of us went with you,
the day God called you home.
You left us peaceful memories, your love is still our guide,
and though we cannot see you,
you are always at our side.
Our family chain is broken, and nothing seems the same,
but as God calls us one by one, the chain will link again.
February 15 1953 - March 13, 2009
Roderick Marshal MacKay Rod “Buzz” MacKay
passed away peacefully in his home his wife Betty, and daughter Rachael at his side, daughter Birdie, son Jorden with wife Angela, brother D’Arcy were close at hand, friends Dan Offin, Deryl Kloberdanz, Nick Proteau, and Ryan Joliceur stayed the course throughout the week. Buzz was a highly evolved soul who did not require a long resolution time before departing... He always faced challenges head on without fear, in fact the more adrenaline the better. Visions of Buzz at Silver Star pounding the powder, his wild whoops of pure joy bursting forth loud and clear! Buzz running his ‘daggits’ the dogs Hazel and Diablo along the trails and through the trees at the horse trails in South Canoe. Buzz sped through life at all times, but he missed little in his enviable race, always ready to listen, help, he was courageous, generous, kind, loyal - one could not help but love this man. A spontaneous wake late afternoon on Friday 13th continued through until late afternoon Sunday 15th, as a constant stream of close relatives, friends and neighbours dropped by to lift a glass, tell a story, shed a tear, this was a most perfect good-bye. Parents of Buzz - Robert and Deanie MacKay, Betty’s parents Paul and Pat Ulatowski, their families - all the sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, friends, neighbours, all those ‘kids’ that drop by to say hi, will truly miss him - Buzz, it was so good to know you, we love you man!
No formal ceremony will be held for Buzz, the MacKay Family invite friends to be spontaneous with your goodbye to Buzz, when the mood moves you, say your piece, do that dance, sing out loud, raise a glass, a salute! Our family will walk Buzz’s ashes along his most loved paths over this next year.
The Family of Roderick “Buzz” MacKay feel honoured to Thank all the Salmon Arm hospital staff that spent time with Buzz, especially nurses Laura and Joyce, Dr. Hiscock, Dr. Heunis, homecare nurse Ginny, the paramedics that stopped by our home and especially Vince Fischer. It was with dignity, honesty and heartfelt care you served our family. Our family would like to extend thanks to all the people who called, emailed, sent flowers, food, wishes, each one of you is so appreciated! The family request that any donations in Memory of Buzz, go to our local SPCA, or to purchase a Luminary at any Relay for Life event, (Canadian Cancer Society).
Arrangements entrusted to FISCHER’S FUNERAL SERVICES & CREMATORIUM LTD., Salmon Arm, (250) 833-1129, E-mail condolences to fischers@sunwave.net.