Carol Ann Mackay

Carol was born on January 24, 1940, in Vancouver. She was predeceased by her parents, Cecil and Thelma Bowett, and her brother, Allan.

In 1947, Carol’s family made Agassiz their permanent home, a community she would cherish for the rest of her life. As a young woman, she worked alongside her parents when they opened the new Agassiz Super Valu in 1957, continuing there for many years.

It was in Agassiz that Carol met the love of her life, Bunk Mackay. Their first date was at the Agassiz Theatre, where they watched 1953’s Titanic. They were married in 1958 and began a devoted partnership that spanned 68 wonderful years. Together, they built a life centered on love, family, hard work and community.

Carol will be deeply missed by her loving husband, Bunk; her sister, Sandy Bowett; her sons Doug (Lynne) and Bruce (Bonnie); and her daughter Laurie (John). She was a proud and devoted Mama to Lucas Mackay (Melissa), Ethan Mackay, Anthony “Jim” Mackay (Brooke), Lorry “Sal” Mackay (Rachel), Lisa Astra (Tyler), and Andrew Hughes (Brooke); and a treasured Mama Honey to Elle, Bo, and Jolie Astra.

Carol played an instrumental role in the early success of Kent Raceway. She volunteered tirelessly - operating the concession, counting laps, and even participating in the occasional powder puff race, once famously hanging Bunk’s ’56 Chev “Old Warrior” on the guardrail. Her spirit of fun and determination was unmistakable.

She was equally invaluable in the family business, Bunk’s Contracting. Carol worked tirelessly alongside Bunk and their family, handling office administration, refueling equipment, delivering parts, performing maintenance, and even working in the field. No matter the task or the circumstance, they were happiest when working side by side.

For many years, Carol and Bunk enjoyed travelling together in the Bunkhouse, spending winters in the deserts of Arizona and California and touring throughout western Canada to bus rallies as proud members of the BC Bus Nuts Club.

Carol and Bunk shared a full and busy life, yet their home was always open. Friends were welcomed at any time for conversation, laughter, and a cup of coffee. Carol was a long-time member of the Agassiz Garden Club and remained active in her beloved garden until her recent illness. She was also a devoted member of Agassiz United Church, where she volunteered in many roles and formed many cherished friendships over the years.

Above all, Carol cherished her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was a loving role model who created lasting memories with each of them - memories that will be treasured for a lifetime.

Her life was a gift to all who knew her.

A service to celebrate Carol’s life will be held on March 28, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at the Agassiz Agricultural Hall, 6800 Pioneer Avenue, Agassiz. Those wishing to honour Carol’s life may do so with a donation to Agassiz United Church or the Agassiz Harrison Museum.