Hugh Roderick MacKay, 86, of Shubenacadie, N.S. passed away on May 25, 2026 after a lengthy illness.
Born in Baddeck, N.S., Hughie married his high school sweetheart Margie (nee Hutchison) in 1958. They owned MacKay's Dairy in Baddeck for a number of years, before moving their young family to Shubenacadie in the early 1970s where they remained the rest of their lives.
Hugh’s love of working with horses is what drew him to the Truro, N.S. area and the Truro Raceway. He owned stables there. It was during that time Dr. James Shives met Hughie and told him he was “looking for a good man to work for him.” Hugh's reply was, “Well, you just found him.” This started a friendship that lasted over 50 years. Dr. Shives was like a brother to Hughie and Penn Hills farm was his beloved home. Hugh was a lifetime member of Standardbred Canada and was one time notably named Senior Horseman of the Year by the Truro Harness Horse Owners Association.
Hughie was kind, funny, quiet, loved music and to strum a few songs on his guitars, especially for the little ones who all adored him. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
Hugh was predeceased by his wife, Margie; son, David; and he is the last member of his generation of the “Water St., Baddeck MacKays.” He is survived by his son, Hugh Jr. (Patsy) Stewiacke; Shirley, Baddeck; grandchildren, Trisha (Jesus); Tasha (Tim); Richelle (Ryan); Keshia (Mitchel) and Alana; and great-grandchildren, Dante, Alonso, Santiago, Emma, Lilly, Harlee, Paisley, Gus, Anthony, Linden and Shelby; and many nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank Hughie’s nephew, Guy and partner Diane, for coming to stay at the farm and the many visits to help care for him; his granddaughter, Alana, for the long hard nights at the hospital; and all the homecare workers, nurses, doctors, palliative care and hospital staff who all helped with his care.
A funeral service will be held on Thursday, June 4 at 2 p.m. in Shubenacadie United Church with Rev. Natalie Buchanan-Rutherford officiating.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Hugh MacKay.