OBITUARY.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXII, Issue 66, 13 March 1912, Page 5

OBITUARY.

JOHN REAY MACKAY. It is with sincere regret we to-day record the death of Mr J. R. Mackay, who last night passed away very quietly. at Stratford after a long and trying illness. The-late John Roiiy Mackay, who was only in his thirtythird year, was attacked some two years ago with a baffling internal complaint, ; against which medical skill seemed of little avail. But be was not one to easily give in, and put up a splendid fight, until some,few weeks ago continuing to take an active and personal interest in the conduct of his business. The late Mr Mackay was the fourth son of Mr Joseph Mackay, M.A. (a well-known and esteemed settler in this district), and was horn at Nelson. He was educated at Nelson and Wellington Colleges and selected the profession of a civil engineer as his calling. Mr Mackay early indicated marked ability for the work lie had chosen, and in 1901 joined Mr Stanley Orbell in partnership, with offices at Inglewood and Stratford, Mr Mackay making his headquarters at the latter place. For several years the firm acted as engineers to the Inglewood Borough Council, Manganui, Moa and AVaitara AVcst Road Boards, and as consulting engineers to several other bodies, planning and carrying out some important water and drainage schemes. Mr Mackay was a thorough -sportsman, and took an active interst in athletics generally, and especially in football and tennis. He was also a keen lover of racing, and the news of his death will -he received with much, regret in racing circles throughout Taranaki and even further afield, for he was one of the host known and most highly esteemed secretaries in the North Island. In 1901 Mr Mackay first accepted the secretaryship of the Stratford Racing Club, and saw it through some troublous times in conjunction with his old friend Dr. Paget. He was also trainer of his own horses, and was associated with Dr. Paget in all the latter’s successes on the turf. He was able to he present at the club’s meeting hold on January Ist and 2nd of this year, and despite his illness took part in tho direction of the meeting. The late Mr Mackay was an enthusiastic motorist and one of the first car-owners in this district. To a wide circle of friends who knew his sterling personal worth Mr Mackay’s death comes as a great loss, and miich sympathy is expressed for Mr and Mrs Mackay. sen., and other members of the family in their bereavement. The interment is to take place at Kopnatama to-morrow (Thursday) afternoon.