It is with great sadness we announce the death of Hugh Roderick MacKay, aged 86, of Shubenacadie, on May 25, 2026 after a lengthy illness. Born in Baddeck, Hughie married his high school sweetheart Margie (nee Hutchison) in 1958. They owned MacKay's Dairy in Baddeck for a number of years, before moving their young family to Shubenacadie in the early 70's where they remained the rest of their lives. Hugh’s love of working with horses is what drew him to the Truro area and the Truro Raceway. He owned stables there. It was during that time Dr. James Shives met Hughie and told him he was “looking for a good man to work for him.” Hughis reply was “Well, you just found him.” This started a friendship that lasted over 50 years. Dr. Shives was like a brother to Hughie and Penn Hills farm was his beloved home.Hughie was kind, funny, quiet, loved music and to strum a few songs on his guitars, especially for the little ones who all adored him. He was a life time member of Standardbred Canada and was one time notably named Senior Horseman of the Year. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him. Hugh was predeceased by his wife, Margie; son, David; and he is the last member of his generation of the “Water St., Baddeck MacKays”. He is survived by his son, Hugh Jr. (Patsy) Stewiacke; Shirley, Baddeck; grandchildren, Trisha (Jesus); Tasha (Tim); Richelle (Ryan); Keshia (Mitchel); Alana and great-grandchildren, Dante, Alonso, Santiago, Emma, Lilly, Harlee, Paisley, Gus, Anthony, Linden, Shelby, and many nieces and nephews. Heartfelt thanks go out to Hughie’s nephew, Guy and partner Diane, for coming to stay at the farm and the many visits to help care for him; to his granddaughter, Alana for the long hard nights at the hospital; and to all the homecare workers, nurses, doctors, palliative care and hospital staff who all helped with his care. Funeral service will be held Thursday, June 4, at 2 p.m. in Shubenacadie United Church with Rev. Natalie Buchanan-Rutherford officiating.
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