Obituary of Irvel MacKie

MACKIE, Ernest Irvel – 84, of Enfield, died peacefully at home on April 27, 2020.  Irvel was born in Charlottetown on November 4, 1935, the son of Irvine “Tiger” and Elsie (Lund) MacKie.

He always spoke fondly of memories growing up in New Glasgow and it was there he began his lifelong passion for sports, especially hockey and tennis, and where he met and married his high school sweetheart, Shirley.  After graduation from high school he played hockey and rugby for Acadia University.

In 1958 he obtained his private pilot licence.  However, due to a vision impairment he was unable to obtain a commercial licence but did embark on a 31-year career with Air Canada.

After retirement, he continued to play competitive tennis at the provincial, national, and international levels where he won numerous single and doubles titles.  He was respected for his sportsmanship and was honoured in 2012 to receive the Nova Scotia Male Athlete of the Year award for tennis.  He and Shirley loved to travel and were always looking forward to attending tournaments all over the world, not only for the excitement of the competition but for the comradery they found in the tennis community.

He is survived by sisters, Fay MacKie, Fredericton; Linda Little (Port Hawkesbury); daughters, Leslie (John MacDonell), Sandy (Rosie Porter), Kelly (Kevin Boudreau); grandchildren, Edward (Ashley), Lydia, Hillary, Kelton, Mackie (Jesse) and Denver.  He was predeceased by his loving wife Shirley.

He was a great and much loved son, brother, husband, father and grandfather and will be missed.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions there will be no public service.  He has been cremated and will be interred at Heatherdale Memorial Gardens Cemetery at a later date.

The family would like to thank staff at the Colchester East Hants Health Centre and VON for their care and compassion.  And a sincere thank you to dad’s family doctor Iain MacNeil for his professional and personal support to our family.

Donations in Irvel’s memory may be made to St. George’s Tennis Club, stgeorgestennisclub.com or charity of your choice.

Tributes, words of comfort, and memories of Irvel may be shared with the family at www.ettingerfuneralhome.com