McKay, Gabriel Anthony – It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of Gabriel “Gabe” McKay, age 59 of Clam Harbour, on May 27, 2017, in Twin Oaks Memorial Hospital, Musquodoboit Harbour, after an intense battle with cancer. Raised in Little Harbour, Gabe was a son of the late Joseph and Angelia (Cox) McKay.
Gabe always offered a helping hand no matter the task, with a mind capable of tackling the most complex problems. He was known for his commanding presence and predictable attire, consisting of slippers and a baseball cap, weather be damned. Despite his imposing stature, children loved Gabe, and Gabe loved spoiling children, regardless of the consequences. Gabe believed in learning from his elders, and passing on his knowledge to the next generation, which he did to his dying day. Gabe was a fisherman for his entire life, loved his work, and lived life exactly how he wanted. He left this world in the same way, with his wife and daughters by his side.
Gabe is survived by his wife, Lalia (Jeffery); daughters, Harmony Kook (Rob Medwid) and Ashley Hilchie (Luke); granddaughters, Phoebe and Riley Hilchie; sisters, Ella (Leroy), AnnMarie Zwicker/Covert (Peter), Betty Freeman (Steve), Mary Stewart (Kevin) and Stella Cooper (Joe); brothers, Mike (Margie Hart) and Pat (Connie); sister-in-law, Claire McKay; many nieces and nephews. Gabe was predeceased by his brother, Val; sister, Marian Scriven (Rodger).
We would like to thank our family and our community for their support during Gabe’s illness, specifically Cory Laybolt, Stephen and Claire Hilchie, Wanda DeBaie, Andy Day, and Stephen Russell as well as the wonderful staff of Twin Oaks Memorial Hospital.
Cremation has taken place under the direction of Arimathea Funeral Cooperative, Upper Musquodoboit. A Celebration of Life will be held in Oyster Pond Fire Hall on Friday, June 23, from 2-5 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in Gabe’s memory may be made to Twin Oaks Memorial Hospital.
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