MACKAY, Robin Douglas

Robin Douglas MacKay

March 19, 1949 – February, 12, 2023

Robin passed away at the Queensway Carleton Hospital after a rapid decline caused by Parkinson’s disease. Robin was a loving and devoted husband and son, and a proud father and grandfather. He is predeceased by his parents Thomas MacKay and Myrtle MacKay, and his son Ian MacKay. He will be greatly missed by his loving wife of 49 years Canon Rhondda MacKay, his sons Tim, David and Blake MacKay, daughters-in-law Yi-Ching Chen and Rachel Grasham, his grandchildren Kayla, Jane, Jaren, Tala and Owen MacKay in whom he took great delight, his cousins, extended family and many friends.

He was thoughtful, compassionate and generous. Robin infused everything he did with enthusiasm, positivity and hope for the future.

Robin was a graduate of Trent University and Queen’s University Law School. He practiced law in Ottawa from 1978 to December, 2022 providing care and counsel to many in his community. With expertise in co-operative housing, he supported many non-profit and community housing projects.

An active member of the Anglican Church, Robin was a constant and dedicated support to Rhondda in her ministry in various parishes and served as Chancellor for the Diocese of Ottawa.

Robin enjoyed theatre, movies, swimming and his writing group. An avid reader he took great pleasure in introducing favourite books to the children in his life. He had a marvellous, sometimes mischievous, sense of humour and enjoyed entertaining family and friends. He enjoyed walks with Rhondda in their woodlots where he harvested maple sap and kept bees.

Visitation will be held on Friday, February 17, 2023, 2:00-4:00 and 7:00 to 9:00 at Julian of Norwich Anglican Church, 7 Rossland Ave., Ottawa, with the celebration of life will be held on Saturday, February 18, 2023 at 1:30 PM, at the church. Masks required.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Anglican Diocese of Ottawa, Community of Ministries at: www.Ottawa.Anglican.ca; or the Primates World Relief and Development Fund at: pwrdf.org  

A link to the livestream can be found on Saturday at https://julianofnorwichottawa.ca/online-worship/

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May God give you the strength and the courage to overcome these difficult times. May this message bring you the testimony of a profound and sincere sympathy. To help you forget these sad hours, may our thoughts bring you comfort and serenity. Although flowers wither, die and disappear, their precious perfume remains. Like these bright flowers, those we love never die, they remain with us forever imprinted in our memories. There are no words to express how much we are devastated by the loss you live. We just hope that our sympathy will bring you some relief.

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12 messages received

Rhondda and the family

I have valued Robin’s friendship since we met 50 years ago at Queen’s. We have treasured his gentleness, his wisdom, his understated sense of humour, and most of all, his quiet faith. Our deepest condolences go out to Rhondda and all the rest of the family that he loved so much. The world is a sadder place without Robin MacKay. Goodbye old friend.

David Stevens and Rita Jackson and the rest of our family. , February 14, 2023

Robin MacKay family

Robin was a generous and dedicated contributor to our Funeral Cooperative of Ottawa. His presence was reassuring, and so very helpful.
We will miss him.

Jacqueline Pelletier, February 14, 2023

Robin MacKay family

Robin was a generous and dedicated contributor to our Funeral Cooperative of Ottawa. His presence was reassuring, and so very helpful.
We will miss him.

Jacqueline Pelletier, February 14, 2023

Rhondda and family

Robin was a kind soul in every way. I have known him for more than 40 years when he helped developed our housing co-op (Alex Laidlaw Housing Co-op) (not as a lawyer but as a potential member), and then became our lawyer and our dear friend. He helped us in so many different personal and professional ways. And I know he helped people and organizations pro bono, that's the type of person he was.I am very sad that he has left us.

Ann Gardner

Rhondda, I wish I could attend the visitation and the funeral but I have Covid.

ann gardner, February 14, 2023

Family of Robin MacKay

I am very sad to hear that Robin has passed. I worked for him for a couple of years after university, and I am truly glad to have known him. He was funny, kind, patient and much more, with the best sense of humour. He will be very missed. My condolences to the MacKay family, may he rest in peace, amen.

Hadiya Hussein & Matt Read, February 14, 2023

Cannon Rhondda and Ms Marian Reas

Dear Cannon Rhondda and Marian

I was sorry to hear this sad news. Praying for you and your entire family at this difficult time. May you find strength and comfort to see you through.

RIP Chancellor Robin.

God bless you
Evaline Dianga ( friend of Marian)

Evaline Dianga, February 15, 2023

Canon

I’m so very sorry for your loss. He was a pleasure to work with and chat with at Boxing 4 Health. He will be missed by all the staff here that had the opportunity to work with him. He had a beautiful spirit and was I always so kind and friendly. Gone to soon, May he rest in peace xo Christine Seaby

Christine , February 16, 2023

The Family

My condolences to the family on losing Robin. I am sorry for your loss. Just a few weeks ago I’d read an email blast from the Funeral Co-op, saying that he was passing the torch to another lawyer, and thought to myself “hey, he’s retiring.” But I see that was not the case.

I liked Robin, as a person and as a lawyer. In fact, Robin was my first lawyer after moving to Ottawa in 1987, when my late husband’ Phil Brown joined the staff of the Ottawa Federation of Housing Co-operatives.

Sorry to say I lost touch, over the years; the last time I “worked “ with him was when as a real estate agent we worked on finding the Funeral Co-op a location to lease and fit-up. He was very generous with his time.

I feel for you, losing him so early. Hopefully you will take comfort in your memories of him.

Sincerely
Joanne
Joanne Jackson
Jackson-Brown Associates Inc.

Joanne Jackson, February 21, 2023

Rhondda and family

I was sorry to hear of the passing of Robin. As a Davis cousin, I was always interested and proud of the advocacy work that your family continually participated in. Robin’s and your commitment to the Anglican Church would have made our ancestors very proud. Thinking of you at this difficult time.

Vivian (Wilson) Brown, February 22, 2023

Mrs. MacKay

I am so sorry for your loss. Robin was a fine gentleman and a professional. He was an asset to this world and made a difference for so many people in our community.

Ginette Bouchard, February 29, 2024

Rhondda

Dear Rhonda and family,

Rick and I are so sorry to hear about your loss. Both of you were such witnesses of Jesus.

The only thing that we can say is this it is our deep loss and heaven’s gain!

In knowing you, I do believe that you have stoically picked up the torch that he left and is carrying on.

I can’t help but think of that verse in the Bible where it said “Jesus wept.” I do know that although Robin is in the arms of Christ, so is the same that holds you in his arms for your pain is His.

Blessings,
Deborah and Richard

Deborah Bethell, September 1, 2024

Rhondda MacKay

Regrets for my delay in responding to the departure of your dear husband, Robin. I profoundly share in the loss of such a generous and caring person, who positively affected his community. I have many fond memories of you both.

Michael Hood, October 25, 2024