

Dr. Angus Robert McKay M. D. Was a natural leader whose winning presence allowed him to take control of various situations with ease. Equipped with a clear and calculating focus, he possessed a tough-minded, “take charge” attitude. He had the ability to make even routine situations seem exciting, and he was at ease with the role of playing problem solver. Bob always sought out the scene of where the action was. Sociable, analytical and pleasant, Bob was an individual who enjoyed life’s challenges.
Bob was born on November 2, 1931 at Petrolia Hospital in Petrolia, Ontario. His parents were George Menzie McKay and Cassie McKay (Stonehouse). Bob was raised in Wyoming, Ontario. Always able to express himself well, Bob possessed strong interpersonal skills. He was optimistic in his outlook on life and was able at all times to be open and direct in his communication. Armed with a great wit, Bob was raised to be accepting of others and to implement a strong personal work ethic.
Blessed with a balanced attitude, Bob was able to relate well with others. His occasional role as family mediator gave him the opportunity to ease tense situations when they occurred. Bob was raised with 2. He had 2 brothers, John (Jack) and George. Bob had a strong desire to be treated fairly and would readily offer others the same fairness in return.
As a young child, Bob showed his creative ability in many ways. He was outgoing and animated. Bob enjoyed new activities and pursued a variety of interests. He took part in few sports but had a variety of hobbies. He was a Boy Scout. In his spare time he liked hunting rabbit and squirrel, fishing, shooting and also took art lessons. Bob's memorable achievements included.
Known to others as a focused, logical, open-minded and somewhat driven individual, Bob was able to utilize these qualities to succeed in high school. His curious nature was spurred by his ability to maximize his personal learning style through employing a hands-on approach. He was good with facts and had an excellent memory. He graduated from Petrolia High in 1951. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. The teacher he enjoyed learning from the most was Miss Jones. He was always proud of maintaining his good grades.
When the goal of college was in sight, it became important to Bob. Again, his direct, “down to earth” approach served him well. He was able to absorb complex concepts and had an acute sense of how things worked. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1955 while attending Western. He also pursued graduate school, earning his MD from Western in 1959. He was an extremely dedicated student.
Friends and acquaintances found Bob an easy man to get to know, and those close to him would often praise his open, practical style of communication and relaxed approach to life in general. Bob was uncomplicated and straightforward in his relationships, which allowed him to accept people for what they were. While growing up, some of his best friends were Edith Anderson. Later in life, he became friends with Vern Messer and Ray Dennemy.
A good listener with an engaging personality, Bob was able to bring pleasure and unexpected humor to the relationship.
Very much like a kid himself, Bob identified with the inquisitive and creative side of his children’s personalities. He was able to direct his energy and spontaneity towards helping his children acquire added common sense skills. Bob was blessed with 7, 4 sons Robert, Alex, John and Arthur and 3 daughters Roberta, Sandy and Mary Beth. They were also blessed with 7 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild, Alastair, Drew, Cecelia, Emma, Fiona, Elspeth, Callum, and great grand-daughter Talia.
Bob was a flexible worker who was able to draw the best from others around him. A persuasive individual who was quick to make necessary decisions, Bob’s strengths included being able to think on his feet. He could be a leader who sought impact for his decisions. Gifted with an incredible ability to read body language, Bob was able to positively manipulate situations and motivate others in order to get a task completed. He was a good negotiator who enjoyed new challenges. Bob could multi-task, and he was endowed with entrepreneurial spirit, allowing him to think beyond standard norms when it came to resolving issues in his work environment. His primary occupation was a Doctor. He was employed for 49 years practicing medicine in Windsor.
Bob enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. He had something of an artistic flair in many of the things that he did. He put this creativity toward all of his pastimes. His favorite pursuits were flying airplanes and playing chess. He was content to enjoy his hobbies alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.
Because he liked to take risks, Bob was a perfect match for athletics and exercise. He was enthusiastic and confident about these activities. Recreational sports included downhill skiing. Bob was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity.
Bob was a gifted problem solver who worked hard to help accomplish group goals. This skill made him a wonderful asset to the various groups and organizations to which he belonged. Always matter-of-fact about what needed to be done, Bob worked steadily to meet any organization’s goals. Throughout his later years, Bob was an active member of the Essex County Medical Society and OMA.
Bob’s natural leadership qualities placed him in consideration for public recognition, earning him accolades for his many and varied efforts throughout his life. Some of his most prestigious awards included the Alpha Omega Alpha Honours Medical Society.
Travel and vacations were experiences that Bob truly enjoyed. He preferred to seek out excitement wherever he went and he was partial to vacations that were casual and laid back with an atmosphere of “live and let live.” He was willing to leave his plans open and flexible, just in case something more interesting came along. Favorite vacations included ski trips and time in Nokomis, Florida.
Bob was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of Bob’s favorites was Ozzy and Simon, his yorkshire terriers. They were best friends for 2 years.
When Bob’s retirement finally came in 2013, he was well prepared. He used logical analysis of his retirement options in order to ensure his retirement would be fulfilling. Still, he was able to easily adapt to possible changes and enjoyed just having fun and being relaxed. His new life involved relocating to Tillsonburg and Nokomis, Florida. In retirement, he found new pleasure in golfing and swimming.
Bob passed away on November 7, 2015 at Tillsonburg Hospital in Tillsonburg, Ontario. Bob succumbed to heart failure. He is survived by Survived by his first wife Berta McKay-Mckinnon (nee Taylor) and their five children Robert (Bob) McKay (Jennifer), Roberta McKay (Dan), Alexander McKay (Suzanne), John McKay, Sandy McKay, his second wife Mary McKay (nee Vandenham) and their two children Arthur McKay (Veronique) and Mary Beth McKay. Loving partner Marian Eichberger of Tillsonburg. Dear grandfather of his nine grandchildren, Alastair McKay, Aren McKay-Cruz (Nina), Cecilia McKay, Emma McKay, Fiona McKay, Elspeth McKay, Callum McKay, Alison McKay and Rosalie McKay and 1 great grandchild Talia Cruz. Survived by his brothers George McKay (Donna) and Jack McKay (Marj). Services were held at The Anderson Funeral Home and Cremation Centre. Bob was laid to rest in Wyoming Cemetery, Wyoming, Ontario.
Bob was the kind of person who could win others over easily. A concrete communicator, he relied on his senses to increase his involvement and awareness of others. He was always able to provide amusing repartee to his friends and acquaintances, offering a seemingly endless supply of quips, anecdotes, jokes and stories. If Bob had a theme song written about him, it might well have been “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.” He enjoyed his life and the experience of living it. This is how everyone will remember Dr. Angus Robert McKay M. D.
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Passed away peacefully at the age of 84 years on November 7, 2015 with family by his side. Devoted physician, father and friend. Predeceased by his parents George and Cassie McKay. Survived by his first wife Berta McKay-Mckinnon (nee Taylor) and their five children Robert (Bob) McKay (Jennifer), Roberta McKay (Dan), Alexander McKay (Suzanne), John McKay, Sandy McKay, his second wife Mary McKay (nee Vandenham) and their two children Arthur McKay (Veronique) and Mary Beth McKay. Loving partner Marian Eichberger of Tillsonburg. Dear grandfather of his nine grandchildren, Alastair McKay, Aren McKay-Cruz (Nina), Cecilia McKay, Emma McKay, Fiona McKay, Elspeth McKay, Callum McKay, Alison McKay and Rosalie McKay and 1 great grandchild Talia Cruz. Survived by his brothers George McKay (Donna) and Jack McKay (Marj). Born in Petrolia, raised in Wyoming, ON, Bob practiced medicine in Windsor until from 1964 until 2013. He raised his children in Windsor and Leamington. He retired in Tillsonburg and Florida. Bob was passionate about his family, medicine, golf and his partner Marian. He will be dearly missed and forever in our hearts. Visitation will be held at the Anderson Funeral Home & Cremation Centre, 895 Ouellette Avenue, (519) 254-3223 on Wednesday from 7-9 p.m. and Thursday from 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. Funeral Services will be held in the Anderson Memorial Chapel on Friday, November 13, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. Cremation to follow. If desired, memorial donations made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation or to a medical charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family. Please join us in remembering Bob by visiting his memorial at
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