Obituary of Eugene McKay

The McKay family is saddened to announce the passing of (James Everette) Eugene McKay of Fredericton, NB, husband of Jennifer Bastarache which occurred on January 18, 2024 at home. Born on December 10, 1958 in Fredericton, NB, he was the son of the late Everette McKay, and Margaret (Graham) McKay. Eugene was tremendously and lovingly devoted to his family who will miss him terribly. Eugene also had a heart passionate about helping the less fortunate, having worked as a cook at the Fredericton Community Kitchen as his final place of employment after several years of cook positions in the Fredericton area. Eugene and Jennifer had their own business with the Star Café at Starchoice followed by the Cotton Café in Marysville and together worked tirelessly doing what they loved. Having lost his vision 15 years prior, even in his final week he was delivering supplies to the homeless community, showing his never-ending compassion for his fellow man.

Quick with a joke and able to bring laughter to everyone around, Eugene would often call his family to tell his latest anecdote and stay on the phone only long enough to hear the chuckle from the other end. Other times conversations were deep and lasting connections and memories were made.  Eugene definitely had the gift of gab and could strike up a conversation with anyone, anytime. Usually within a few minutes he would have found common connections or discovered a distant relative.

This story would not be complete without mention of his long-time companion Curly, a little dog who loved large. Eugene and Curly were inseparable.

In addition to his wife, mother and stepfather, Merlyn McNeill, Eugene is survived by his brother, David (Debbie) Lyons; sisters, Valerie (Stephen) MacDonald and Gail (Alyre) Godin; brother-in- law, Bob (Carla) Parent; Merlyn’s children, Bev (Andrew), Carol (Peter) and Dwight. Eugene is also survived by his children, Robert McKay, James McKay, Danielle (Graham) McKay, Dominique Bastarache; and grandchildren, Kaleb, Blake, Lilly, Amalia, Abby, Bella, Emily, Blair, Gwen, Ashleah, Sophie, Claire & Hudson; nieces and nephews, Dustin (Christie), Joey (Melanie), Jason (Josée), Thomas and Emilynn (Brent); as well as stepdaughter, Joanie (Leon) and their sons, Thomas and Alex; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A Celebration of Life Reception will take place on Tuesday, January 23, 2024 from 6-8 pm at York Funeral Home, 302 Brookside Drive, Fredericton. For those who wish, remembrances may be made to Fredericton Homeless Shelters or a charity of the donor’s choice.  Personal condolences may be offered through www.yorkfh.com