January 20, 1946 - June 27, 2022
In Loving Memory ( Moose, Hutchie Mutch, Big Bear) ~
Parents John and Irene MacKay: Ron (Dolores), Barrie (Denise), Brian (Diane), and Carol Anne (Walter).
Barrie lived for challenges, his family, sports, knowledge and everything with an engine. He was a multi-gifted athlete but excelled as a goalie. As a member of the Hab's farm team Barrie worked for CN/CP Rail. His affinity for trains warred with hockey in his heart. His proficiency in both was recognized he was offered positions in both. Barrie chose hockey, but train whistles always called to him.
He and Annette met, married and started a family, son Rob (Sharla). A dynamic and successful couple, they employed family members forming the nucleus of their many ventures. Barrie's endless quest for personal growth, business opportunities and interest in any and everything never faded.
Barrie drove everywhere he could; opportunities to train-spot, kick tires, purchase equipment, travel with Annette, gamble and run Barrie Mackay Contracting.
He juggled an amazing amount of history regarding his "kids"- drive trains, track frames, final drives, repaired, re-torqued, rebuilt. Barrie knew hours, condition and location.
Countless miles between job sites Alberta, Vanc Island, the Elk Valley, employees recognized #25, his truck and performed during his surprise visits, as he observed from a distance.
Barrie, Rob and Sharla, Elaine and Terri lost Annette to cancer in February 2010. Barrie stepped back attempting to retire.
Barrie could never truly retire. Joy Graham and Barrie built a home, golfed and vacationed more often and longer. Foremost in Barrie's heart was his company.
In 1991 Denise as a Finning employee first met Barrie and Annette. Witness to Barrie's enthusiastic interactions with the parts and service departments.
In late 2016, Barrie called. They were happily married on September 6, 2021 and made a life time of memories; escorted out of rail yards, friends old and new, hockey reunions and vacationed with family members.
Illness plagued Barrie during his last four years. A hip replacement and two emergency upper spine surgeries. March 2018 he was diagnosed with cancer.
Barrie's attitude toward cancer never wavered, cancer never lessened him, it was less than him. With mild irritation, stoicism and endurance he bulldozed it. Barrie continued his routine of office, yard and site visits until days before his death.
Barrie's unerring predictions, elephantine memory, intrinsic knowledge of his industry, coupled with his personal connections, and belief in himself, made him a memorable force in the lives of everyone lucky enough to know him.
Holding an esteemed, honoured place in our hearts, the family of Denise Borsato were truly blessed to have Barrie, our Big Bear, in our lives for six hockey seasons.
Immediately his lion heart, humour, indomitable spirit and encompassing acceptance melted our hearts and he became family.
It will have to do, even he could not stay longer.
I would like to thank the following for their steadfastness:
Aaron, Angus, Clayton, George, Adrien, Jeff, Frank.
Thank the many employees who respected Barrie every time he visited his job sites.
The MacKay clan who loved Barrie.
Friends who visited and phoned often.
Every health professional for being there, always.
Howard and Sharon, Heather and Paul all our best friends surrounding 158 The Whins.
Foremost, my family.
During Barrie's illness, we flew on your wings.
Mo Chridhe