Obituary of Benjamin Howard MacKay

It is with great sadness that the MacKay and Boutin families announce the sudden passing of their beloved Benjamin on Tuesday, August 28, 2018 at Lake Obakamiga. Ben is survived by his wife Adrienne Boutin and their twin sons George and Solomon. Son of Marie MacKay, his father Bill MacKay, and step-mother Louise Young, his in-laws Dorothy and Patrick Edwards. Brother of Graeme (Mireille), step-brother of Clayton and Jesse.  He will be especially missed by his grandparents Geraldine and Donald McKay. He’ll always be lovingly remembered by uncles Jason (Trudy), Rick (Roseanne), Aunties Dawn, Gail, Linda (Dave) and nephews Anthony, Samson, Teigan, Chad, Jordan, Jeremy, André, Brent, and nieces Holly and Wanda, and many extended cousins, great-uncles and great-aunts. Benjamin was born August 31, 1986 and spent his early years in Wabos, joined 3 and 1/2 years later by his younger brother and best friend for life, Graeme. Ben at an early age showed his gifts of intellect, compassion, and love of nature from his parents Marie and Bill. He started riding motocross with a passion, supported by his dad and Uncle Jay and a large cheering section of family and friends. He loved snowboarding, skateboarding, board games, chess, and many other activities that brought him and his friends together. He studied at Sault College in the Natural Resources Department and earned a Bachelor of Science in Forestry from University of British Columbia.  He enjoyed adventures and shared stories of living a great big life with Adrienne in a little house on Saturna Island after graduating university and before returning home to Sault Ste. Marie to begin their family.  With the birth of his twin sons in July 2013, Benjamin found more joy and great satisfaction to add to a life well lived. He worked in the forestry industry and for the last two summers worked, with Adrienne and their boys, operating an outfitting lodge on Lake Obakamiga. In the remembrances shared by his friends in these days following his tragic passing, we are reminded that everything Ben did, he was great at. He tried his hardest at everything. He has helped his friends in good times and in their times of loss and grief. He was everything to everyone. A Celebration of Ben’s life will be held at a later date. Memorial donations to the Ronald McDonald House or the charity of your choice would be appreciated. A special thank you to Dale Burns, his OPP colleagues, lodge owners John and Shannon Moffat, and all of the volunteers for their care and compassion. Please help Adrienne and the boys by visiting their GoFund Me page (https://www.gofundme.com/help-adrienne-and-her-boys). Arrangements entrusted to Northwood Funeral Home Cremation and Reception Centre (942 Great Northern Rd, 705-945-7758). 

Benjamin Howard MacKay, Niizh Andeg (Two Crows), was our star and held us all in a constellation of love, friendship and all that is good in this world.