Donald Douglas Mackay

Don passed away peacefully at Creekstone Care Center on September 2, 2024. He was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Jessie Mary Mackay. Left behind are his beloved sons: Peter (Peggy), Gerry (Isabel), David (Melissa); grandchildren: Chloe, Phoebe, Jameson, and Theo; and special nieces and nephew: Joanne, Cathy, and Michael, as well as their dear children and other family members.

Born in Toronto, Don enjoyed his early years spending summers at Rice Lake, Ontario, with his cousins Roy and Ruth. An only child, Don considered them siblings. Don's father, David, worked for Canada Bread, while his mother, Daisy, a homemaker, had many sisters including Rose, Grace, and Nel, but it was Aunt Vi to whom Don was especially connected.

Don met Jessie Seberras while working at Hartford Insurance, where on social nights, she would regularly beat him at bowling. They married on October 15, 1955. Don worked as a sales representative for several pharmaceutical companies selling products to hospitals throughout Ontario. They moved numerous times and began a family. In 1973, Don, Jessie, Peter, Gerry, and David moved to North Vancouver after his promotion. Don and the family enjoyed living closer to his mother, Daisy.

While in Vancouver, Don's hobby of acting in community theatre productions flourished with the North Vancouver Community Players. A regular performer, Don was known for his brilliant comedic timing and hilarious physical humor. Hollywood came north to Vancouver and took notice of Don’s acting ability. He landed a featured role in the first Rambo movie, First Blood. Many roles followed, including commercials, print ads, and radio spots. In 1986, at the age of 55, Don made the courageous decision to step down from his position as a regional sales manager for a pharmaceutical company and pursue a full-time career as a professional actor. His choice paid off, leading to numerous TV and film appearances alongside notable American and Canadian actors. His humor, both on screen and at home, was legendary, marked by his sharp observational wit. He was a cherished father and a gifted character actor who loved his work.

Don enjoyed gardening, golfing with friends, watching baseball with Jessie, and reading yet another book about WWII. When Jessie passed away in 2008 after a battle with cancer, Don lost his wife, best friend, and a big piece of his heart, but he soon found renewed joy in his grandchildren, Chloe, Phoebe, Jameson, and Theo. He cherished family above all else.

Don will be dearly missed and fondly remembered. A Celebration of Life will be held at First Memorial Funeral Services & Boal Chapel in North Vancouver, 1505 Lillooet Road, North Vancouver, BC on Friday, December 20, 2024 @ 1:00pm