Reverend John F. “Jack” McKay
Died: January 9, 2009 | Place: Mount Hope Centre for Long Term Care
Obituary
MCKAY, Reverend John F. (Jack) BA, MDiv, STM
On Friday, January 9, 2009 after a prolonged and difficult journey with Alzheimer’s Disease, God took into His nearer presence one of Earth’s weary pilgrims, Jack McKay, cherished husband for 53 years of M. June (Umphrey) McKay, loving father of Scott A. McKay and his wife Sandra of Unionville, J. Jeffrey McKay of Windsor, and Dr. Janet E. McKay of London, special Papa to Andrew, Iain and Victoria McKay of Windsor, dear brother of Margaret Brown of Campbellford, brother-in-law of Marjorie McKay, Helen McKay, Shirley and Tom Wynne of London, Ron and Jean Umphrey of Aurora and Jack and Barbara Umphrey of Honolulu, predeceased by his brothers Hugh A. McKay and Gordon C. McKay. Jack was born at Kintore, Ontario, and was the 7th McKay to leave the family homestead to enter the Christian ministry. He graduated from Albert College, Belleville, Waterloo College, Emmanuel College, Toronto, and Boston University School of Theology, and did post-graduate studies at New College, Edinburgh. He was ordained into the United Church of Canada in 1957. He served the church at Lucky Lake four point pastoral charge in Saskatchewan, Kingsway-Lambton United Church in Toronto, Westminster United Church in Windsor, 17 years at Riverside Church in London, Ailsa Craig pastoral charge and after retirement served as visiting pastor at First -St. Andrew’s United Church in London. Jack was a gifted preacher and writer, and a committed and caring pastor, with a quick and encouraging response to those in need. He was truly a “Jack of all trades” whose gift of woodworking resulted in many cherished projects for his family. Cremation has taken place. The family will receive friends from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. on Friday, January 16th at First-St. Andrew’s United Church 350 Queens Avenue (at Waterloo) London, where a service of Celebration will be conducted at the church on Saturday, January 17th at 2 p.m. with Rev. Dr. David McKane officiating. Spring interment of cremated remains in Kintore Cemetery, Kintore, Ontario. Memorial donations will be gratefully acknowledged and may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society, 555 Southdale Road E. London N6E1A5 or First-St. Andrew’s United Church, 350 Queens Avenue, London N6B 1X6. Online condolences accepted at www.amgfh.com. (Arrangements entrusted to A. Millard George Funeral Home, London 519-433-5184)
“Blessed in the Sight of the Lord is the Death of one of his Saints” Ps 116:15
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It was an honour and a pleasure to have known Jack.
My deepest sympathy to Janet and June at this sad time. Years ago I was a volunteer in the Paliative Care Unit at Parkwood and saw how caring your father, and husband, was with his parishioners who were at the end of their lives. My deepest sympathy and may God Bless you. Dorothy
Jack stopped by for a coffee and visit after learning that I had been diagnosed with cancer. Although that was 17 years ago, I have never forgot how his positive thoughts gave me the strength to get through the ensuing months. He was a wonderful man.
June: Jack made a fine contribution to Grand Bend United. He had a difficult journey attended by a devoted caregiver who joined in that journey. Peace be with you. Bob
Dear June and Janet, you are in our thoughts and hearts at this sad time.
Jack was a wonderful preacher and teacher whose sermons were always a perfect balance of humour and yet gave us pause for thought. Jack married us and a year later he baptized our first son. Although we then moved to Winnipeg; whenever we visited family in London, we were always drawn to Riverside United to hear “the Good News” from Jack. We even made a point to have our second son and then our daughter baptized by Jack. He was truly part of our most important milestones of life. For these reasons, we will always remember Reverend Jack and keep him in a special place in our hearts.
With our sincere sympathy, Audrey and Blaine
Dear June,
My deepest sympathies to you and your family. Unfortunately, I didn’t have the opportunity to get to know Reverend Jack as his illness was far advanced by this time but it was definately an inspirational experience to witness the spiritual loving bond between you and your husband leaving a positive and profound affect on me. May we all learn by your example, a true testament that REAL love begins by giving from the heart rather than the hand.
God Bless,
Melissa Stefan
Aunt June, Scott, Jeff, Janet and families.
It was with true sadness to hear Uncle Jack had passed away.
He was a great reverend, husband, father, son, brother and uncle. He will be sadly missed by all.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
John, Karen, Jeremy, Jason & Danielle, Trevor
Our sympathies to June and all of the family. We have wonderful memories of Jack’s time at Westminster in Windsor particularly his work with the ‘young’ people of the day! Our thoughts and prayers are with you and have been over the years.
With fond memories,
Murray and Lynda Arnold
Huntsville, Ontario
Dear June
Sue and I send you our heartfelt condolences at the death of your beloved husband Jack. He was a good friend of ours. When we moved to Middlesex Presbytery, Jack was among the first to befriend us. Before I took over as Chair of Middlesex Presbytery he took me out to Hooks for lunch, and gave me some valuable tips about how things worked in Presbytery and set me on the right track. It was a good introduction to Hooks also! We cannot forget his towering personality and his smiling face and the way he made others laugh. While I do not know much about his ministry, serving a charge for such a long time is a testimony to the meaningful ministry he performed. We know he suffered much in his illness. But you stood by him to the end. He is now with his Lord and Saviour. God comfort you and your family. With love. Edward and Sue Sam
We are saddened to hear about Jack. You have often been in our thoughts and prayers.
Although we can’t be with you, we will definitely be there in spirit.
Keeping the entire McKay family close to our hearts.
Dear June and family,
Thinking of you with loving thoughts and prayers for strength,comfort and peace.
Dear Aunt June and Family
On behalf of Janis and my family we wish to send our deepest condolences to you at this time of sorrow.
John McKay
To the Family Rev.Jack McKay: I am praying for comfort in this terrible time for you. I am so deeply sorry for your loss. I wrote a poem I would like to share with you in your grief, I pray that it helps with your loss. It is called:
The Journey Home.
I clear a path before me, to help you on your way…
Because the time has come right now, you must come home today….
There are many mansions waiting, the tired souls to come…
The earth can’t hold a candle to the HEAVEN we are from…
The body that has housed your soul,
is now at PEACE and SOLITUDE,
as your soul has now earned wings to fly,
it’s spirit now renewed…
I’ll wipe the tears your loved one shed,
at PEACE I’ll put thier hearts.
For once upon a dream they’ll see,
the LORD’s the end and start…
Again, I am so very sorry for your loss….
Sincerest Heart and Prayers,
Susan Kelly
(A friend of Jeff McKay)
to June & famly
KEN & LUCY SAGE WOULD LIKE TO EXPRESS OUR CONDOLANCES. WE REMEMBER JACK FROM GRAND BEND UNITED CHURCH WHAN HE SPOKE THERE ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS AND THE MEAL WE SHARED WITH JACK AND JUNE AFTER AN ANNIVERSARY SERVICE THERE. WE ENJOYED THEIR COMPANY. HE WAS A LOVELY MAN. GOD BLESS YOU JUNE AND YOUR FAMIILY.
On behalf of our family, Sherri, Lars, Meeghan and Nathan Blum, and Stacey and Dave Negrijn, Dave and I would like to express our deepest sympathy at your loss. Reverend McKay was our minister at Riverside United Church for many years, and we have recently come under the care of Dr. Janet. You and your family are in our thoughts. Gail and Dave Taylor
Janet,
We were saddened to hear the news of your father – please express our sincere condolences to your family, our thought are with you all.
Dear Janet:
Sincere condolences to you
and your family.
We offer our condolences to Dr. Janet McKay and her family at this difficult time. Take good care of yourselves!
Janet,
We are so very sorry for your loss. Please take care of yourself and your mom.
Sincerely
Laura Elliott & Family
Jack – the image/recall that most frequently comes up for me is of Jack visiting, standing in the middle of my dad’s blacksmith & implement shop holding court with the mechanics and farmers in one of his casual stops while out for a “pastoral walk-about.” Jocundity familiar to all who’ve worked the land or driven an International (instead of a John Deere) then an offhand comment revealed Jack’s understanding of prairie farmers’ humour at the expense of “greenhorns” from the east.
These encounters were, of course, all followed by a booming laugh as he moved on down the street to his next sportive encounter or a maybe a chance meeting that more-so called up that deep serious McKay question and straight-on eye engagement.
What a team effort – with courage and abundant good humour Jack and June settled into the role and responsibilities of four point rural ministry – a little old time manse, no running water or associated modern conveniences. This ministry is still well remembered in these prairie communities these five decades later and I am one of those blessed to have been there and doubly for the friendship that has endured.
Now “easterners” (from Parrsboro, Nova Scotia) Sandra and I mourn with you, June and your family – a hug for the big guy and because of him and his team – gratefully hopeful for you and for all the world – this afternoon as we catch our reflections in Jack’s chalice.
I remember fondly what gracious hosts Jack and June were when the Stokes’ family held their picnic/reunion at the McKay home. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you as you bid farewell to a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. May the memory of Jack’s laughter and the happy times you shared bring you comfort.
June, please accept our sympathies in Jack’s death.
Susan Traill and Gene Burdenuk
Your sometime neighbours and former clients.
We are sorry to hear of Jack’s
passing. Please accept our
condolences. We fully intended to be present at the
Memorial service Saturday,
however, Cecil had to go to Emergency last night with some
gastral problems but is feeling much better today.
Jack and I went to Holiday School as well as being neighbors on the farm.
Please express our sympathy to Margaret, Ken & Ruth, Bill & Janet.
Janet and Cecil
Dear June McKay,
I wanted to say how much we will miss seeing you and your husband at Mount Hope. Your welcome to both my mother, Blanche Ward and myself when my Mom moved on to the floor, in a room close to Rev. McKay was very much appreciated. We found it very reassuring. Your hints were very helpful! Thank you. It was lovely to witness your love for your husband and even in his compromised state it was obvious that he was a much loved, grand man.
Take care,
Janet L. DeVeber
Janet and I send our sympathy to you June and your family. Although we haven’t kept in touch over the years, we shared pastorates in both Kingsway Lambton, Toronto and Windsor. Many happy associations come to mind as we remember the contributions Jack made, and the relationships reflecting God’s love in the communities he served so well. Allan