Obituary of William Robert MacKay

William “Bill” Robert MacKay, age 92 of Bloomfield Ridge, NB passed away Tuesday, March 18, 2025 at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital in Fredericton, NB. He was born August 15, 1932 in Hayesville, NB to the late Howard and Vesta McKay, and married to Joan Anita Norrad on September 4, 1965.

Bill loved the Miramichi River and was a retired professional hunting and fishing guide, primarily at Rocky Brook Camp. He was proud to have kept his guide license current for 72 years. He was an avid canoe racer, having collected over 100 trophies from canoe races all over New Brunswick and in Maine and PEI. In his youth, he was a skilled baseball player, and worked as a log driver on the river. He was a kind and generous man who loved his family, cherished his friends and left a legacy of love and compassion for all who knew him.

In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his siblings, Bert, Velma, Marie, Pearl, Eva, Dale, Harding, Theodore and Bernice, and by son, Martin.

He is survived by his wife, Joan; daughters, Daphne and Tammy (Michael Oxner); grandchildren, Robert, Kyra and Marley MacKay; step-grandchildren, Justin Oxner and Matthew Oxner; and by brother, Wesley; sisters-in-law, Maizie and Sylvia; along with several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held from York Funeral Home’s Miramichi Valley Chapel, 7681 Route 8, New Bandon, NB on Friday, March 21, 2025 from 6 – 8 pm and Saturday, March 22, 2025 from 1 – 2 pm with the Funeral Service to follow at 2 pm with Rev. Brian Curtis officiating. There will be a reception following the service at Gateway of Hope, 35 Company Road, Boiestown, NB. Interment will take place in Bloomfield Ridge United Cemetery at a later date. Flowers will be accepted, or memorial donations can be made to the Miramichi Salmon Association. Personal condolences may be offered through www.yorkfh.com