Steven Mackay

We are saddened to share the passing of Steven Mackay on February 24, 2025 in Ottawa, ON, surrounded by family and his beloved dogs. Steven was born April 17, 1957 in Toronto, ON to Betty and Arthur Mackay. He was the fifth child, spending his childhood years in Toronto, on the family farm in Shawville, QC, and Ottawa.

Growing up, Steven was quick-witted, fun to be around and could always make anyone laugh. He loved to be the life-of-the-party and cherished extended family gatherings throughout his life. He was quick to smile and joke, and always shared his opinion—especially if it involved cars, boats, equipment or politics. 

He loved being a father to Shane and Luke, who were born 22 years apart and took pride in both his sons’ accomplishments and lives. 

Steven had a natural talent for mechanics and a deep love for anything with wheels and an engine. Over the years, he built an impressive and eclectic collection of cars. Steven had a knack for finding hidden gems and spent his later years buying and selling equipment—occasionally making some questionable purchases. 

Steven enjoyed a busy social life with a cherished group of friends to enjoy his favorite pastimes with—cruising his boat on the Ottawa River, riding his motorcycle, and always relishing a good night on the town. Taking his cars to race tracks across southern Ontario, Steven loved showing off his American muscle cars and impressive driving skills.

He was an entrepreneur from an early age, building successful small businesses throughout his life and in spite of health challenges over his last decade. 

Steven fought a heroic battle against cancer, defying the odds and prognosis given multiple times over the last years and prompting doctors to declare he should be in a medical journal. Supported by family, his fighting spirit was also driven no doubt by his deep love for Luke and his fierce desire to watch his second son grow up. 

His brother Art’s friendship and support carried throughout the years, shared through daily coffees and conversations, as well as regular, delicious meals prepared by his sister-in-law Barb. The family is deeply grateful to his physicians and caregiver, Beth, for her dedication and support throughout the past year.

He is survived by his two sons, Shane (Virginia) and Luke, granddaughters Estelle, Juliana, and Adeline, his siblings Bonnie (Frank), Art (Barb), Debby, Jill, and Jenny (Greg) as well as Yves (Nikki) and Yvette. Steven is predeceased by his parents Arthur Patrick Mackay in 1984 and Betty Jean Mary Mackay (Sharpe) in 1991.