David John MacKay was born March 30, 1940 in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada to Donald and Esther MacKay where his father was pastor of the Philpot Tabernacle. A short time later his father was inducted as chaplain into the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. Dave, his mother, and older sister, Dorothy moved to Worchester, MA to live with his father's mother and aunt. Upon his father's return from the war, he went back into the pastorate, moving the family to Gary, Indiana. Even though during Dave's school years he attended nine different schools, Gary seemed most like home as he lived there for six years.

Before going on to college, he lived with his parents in Wheaton for a year where he met Norma at First Baptist. A beautiful snow had fallen on Thanksgiving Eve, 1959, when he asked if he could show the new girl around the town and take her to the pastor's house for dinner. In May, 1960, they were engaged and that fall, both attended Tennessee Temple University in Chattanooga. They were married the following June. Upon graduation in 1965, Dave and Norma returned to the Chicagoland area with their little daughter, Cathy. They lived in La Grange for nine years during which time Don and Cheri became part of their home. An integral part of their life was spent in church serving in various ways. Dave loved singing in the choir and serving as a deacon. Meanwhile, he underwent training to become a commercial insurance underwriter, commuting daily into Chicago.

Life changed greatly after the birth of Scott who had a severe hemorrhage in his brain at only eight days old. Scott's condition was entirely unknown to the medical community and after numerous surgeries and hospitalizations, he was left multipli-handicapped.

In 1975, the Lord graciously opened the door to build a home in Winfield, IL to meet the ongoing family needs. Now in his mid-forties, Dave became ill and was diagnosed with a severe weakness and eruption of the veins/arteries in the stomach causing catastrophic hemorrhaging. It was determined that this condition known as Osler Weber Rendu Syndrome, was the same genetic disorder that had manifested itself in Scott's head and years earlier in Dave's mother's lungs.

After enduring countless and increasing challenges due to this condition, Dave was forced into early retirement. God graciously worked in Dave's life during this time. He developed a deep love for God's word and work. Constantly fighting the battle of losing blood, scores of transfusions, and many other physical challenges, Dave remained dedicated to the care of Scott and the rest of his family. He was a Christian model to those who knew him - without complaint of his circumstances.

Dave finally succumbed to this dreaded syndrome on November 22, Thanksgiving Day at home with his family.

Dave is survived by his wife of 46 years, Norma, nee Rummel; daughter; Cathy MacKay of Carol Stream, IL; son, Don (Kristen) MacKay of Manila, Philippines; daughter, Cheri (Steve) Clark of Winfield, IL; and son, Scott MacKay of University Park, IL. He is also survived by his sister, Dorothy Stone of Carol Stream; and seven grandchildren, David MacKay, Austin MacKay, Anna Clark, Caleb MacKay, Noah Clark, Ethan Clark, and Isabelle Clark.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Donnie Jim MacKay.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 28, from 4-8 P.M. at First Baptist Church of Wheaton, 1310 N. Main St., in Wheaton, where a service will be held on Thursday, November 29, at 7:00 P.M. Interment is private at Wheaton Cemetery.

Memorials may be given as follows:

Pine Trail Camp Memorial Project

This project is for the renovation and equipping of the Spruce Staff Cabin into a retreat and renewal center for pastors and missionaries. If you are interested in giving a memorial toward this project, checks can be mailed to:

Pine Trail Camp & Conference Center,
Dave MacKay Memorial Project,
PO Box 35,
Saugatuck, MI 49453-0035

or

Faith Academy Prayer Room Memorial Project

Don and Kristen have been blessed to serve at Faith Academy, a school for Missionaries' Children in Manila Philippines, for over 12 years. The Lord has graciously blessed Faith Academy with a new auditorium complex that will feature a multi purpose room where Chapel services will be held. An ongoing group of photos can be viewed at Faith Academy's website at www.faith.edu.ph A prominent location has been chosen for a prayer reflection room. This room will be used for group and individual prayer and reflection times. It will also be used for those who respond to special speakers or a call to obedience. Since this is an "add – on" to the construction plans, additional funding is required to outfit the room with furniture, lighting, appropriate books and Bibles and a stained glass window. If you are interested in giving a memorial with an ongoing impact, you can send your checks to:

First Love International Ministries,
Faith Academy Prayer Room Memorial Project,
PO Box 15836,
Loves Park, IL 61132