Barbara MacKay, who owned and operated the Standardbred breeding farm, MacKay Farms near Little Britain, Ontario along with her husband Dave, passed away early Thursday morning, surrounded by her family, at Ross Memorial Hospital in Lindsay
.
She had battled cancer with dignity, grace and incredible courage over the past few months. She leaves her husband and beloved partner of 50 years, Dave MacKay as well as her adored children Kathryn (Greg Wanless), Heather (Paul Roberts), John (Jane Allen) and Ellen (Rob Jacome). She was a much loved and cherished Nana to Jeremy, Alyson, Marcus, Neil, Sophie, Julia and Davis.
For three decades Barb and Dave raised and sold yearlings in Ontario and the US. Their farm made headlines when they sold the Artsplace filly Gothic Art (later renamed Pananarama) for $230,000 at the Kentucky Standardbred Sale. At the time it was the highest price ever for a pacing filly sold by a Canadian breeder.
Other notable performers bred and/or raised by the MacKays included About A Dream ($393,000), Dream Lavec ($397,000), Fog Patch ($385,000) and they also raced the millionaire trotter Corn Cob Conch with partner and long time trainer Mike Wade.
Visitation will be held at Mackey Funeral Home, 33 Peel Street, Lindsay on Thursday, September 17th from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. The service will be held at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, 40 William Street North, Lindsay at 11:00 a.m., on Friday, September 18th immediately followed by a celebration of Barb's life at the Lindsay Curling Club.
Online condolences may be made at mackeys.ca through this link.
Please join SC in offering condolences to the family and friends of Barbara MacKay.