Arnold John MacKay of Saskatoon (formerly of Moose Jaw) passed away on Friday, April 26, 2024 at the age of 91. He will be sadly missed by Gladys, his wife of almost 70 years, and their five sons; Doug (Faye), Dan (Shareen), Bob (Michele), Gordon, and Brian (Carrie). Also mourning his loss are his 12 grandchildren; Ken (Cecilia), Jaqueline (Kaveh), Angela (Andy), Ian, Rebecca (Trevor), Cam (Emma), Alex (Lyn), Aaron (Brooklyn), Kim (Josh), Shawna (Wes), Katelyn, and Mark along with 17 great grandchildren. Also surviving him are his siblings Ralph, Randy, Terry, and Joanne, along with many nieces and nephews.

He was pre-deceased by his parents, John and Mary, his sister Lil and brothers Don and Roy, his mother in-law Margith, father in-law Ragnar, sister in-law Lil, brother’s in-law Lloyd, Jens, Arnold and their respective spouses.

Arnold lived a full life. Growing up in B.C. he had a love of learning but was required to stop school at 14 to help the family and eventually became a journeyman carpenter. It was a few years later that he was smitten by an attractive young woman named Gladys who he was fortunate to marry in 1954. They had their first two sons in BC and soon after he joined the military with their first posting to Moose Jaw. While initially concerned about moving to what dad often described as “the bald-headed prairie” they soon came to love the community and had their next three sons there. Soon after arriving in Moose Jaw, Arnold took an instructional position in the carpentry program at STI (now Saskatchewan Polytechnic) and completed his Education degree graduating with Great Distinction while working and supporting his family. He retired from there in 1987. Those who knew Arnold would remember him as a doer who would often be called on for advice or help with any issues they might have with their home or project. More often than not they also knew that he would get involved to make sure it was done right. Dad’s happy place was Turtle Lake where our family cabin was established in 1972. Mom and dad built life-long friendships with many at Horseshoe Bay and the surrounding area. Most days you would find him working on some project which, while he might crab about it, we all knew that he enjoyed. With the exception of two years spent overseas, dad and mom spent every summer at Turtle Lake and were both looking forward to spending one more time together there this summer.

Dad had a few heath scares including a serious heart attack and a few strokes in the years following his retirement. He managed to bounce back by being strongly committed to a heart healthy diet, exercise and meditation. Some of us thought he was almost fanatic but we can’t argue with the results as he lived

almost 30 years beyond initial projections. He and mom also survived the Covid virus, prior to the vaccine becoming available. Sadly, his time was up and while we are all very sad, we have many great memories. Rest in peace Dad.

The family is planning a celebration of life later this summer.

Arrangements entrusted to Thea Katchmar-Mourning Glory Funeral Services (306) 978-5200. To share memories of Arnold or send condolences please visit www.mourningglory.ca