MacKay, Herbert “Herb” Leopold – It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our beloved husband and father. Herb, age 78, passed away peacefully in Dartmouth General Hospital on Sunday, February 5, 2023 with his loving wife, Patricia and daughter, Alicia by his side.
Herb was born in Little Harbour, to parents, Matthew and Laura McKay. Due to complicated circumstances, he was raised by his older sister, Marion and her husband, Thomas Monk, who he always lovingly referred to as Mother and Pop.
His love for being on the water started early on, through cherished fishing trips with his Pop. He left home at 16 to go to sea to work with the Coast Guard and then onto a ship that laid telecommunication cables. Once back on land, he dabbled in numerous job fields. From driving delivery trucks, selling cars, working in real estate to finally settling into the construction industry. He started his own company, D&H Construction in the early 1980’s and was kept busy until he retired in 2015. During those years, he forged some of his strongest friendships that remain to this day.
Herb loved spending quality time with family and friends fishing, hunting, going for drives, playing cards and tormenting anyone who would take it. Nothing was more enjoyed, though, than his love of dancing and the weekends spent in Nine Mile River with Pat and all their friends, except for maybe a good feed of lobster.
He is survived by his wife of 24 years, Patricia; children, Alicia (Wally) Langille, Tom Davies, Theresa Langille, Martina Williams, Robert Gale, Jamie Gale and Wallie Gale; grandchildren, Matthew (Alisha) Gallant, Morgan (Tom) Henderson, Brandon Whynot, Brandon Gale and Colton Gale; siblings, Marion (Thomas) Monk, Margaret (Bob) Kidson, Ruby (Ralph) Kidson and Donald (Pam) McKay; honorary siblings, Joseph (Sharon) Monk, Anthony (Marilyn) Monk, Jerome Monk and Marianne (Harry) Marshall; as well as a large and loving group of nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family.
He is predeceased by previous wives, Dorothy MacKay and Evelyn Davies; parents, Matthew and Laura McKay; siblings, Myrtle (Elmore) Turple, Norman McKay, Benjamin (Debbie) McKay, Cecil McKay and also Thomas “Pop” Monk and Thomas Jr. (Margaret) Monk.
In the spring, there will be a small graveside service for close family followed by a Celebration of Life reception for all family and friends, with the date to be announced.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Liver Foundation, as Herb has always credited them with helping give him a second chance at life.
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