James Mackey

On February 27th, 2009, in his 96th year James Page Mackey, ‘The Chief', went to join his true love and soul mate of over 69 years, the late Anne (Wilen) Mackey. James was the cherished father of Diane and her husband Tom Veater, Sandra and her husband Gary Hamilton, dearly loved ‘Adda' (grandfather) of Laurel and her husband Dennis McHale and James and his wife Sue Veater. Adda was also an inspiration and example to his treasured great-grandchildren, Darryl and his wife Jeannine McHale, Gregory McHale, James (Jay) Veater, Benjamin Veater, Josh Veater and Allie Veater. He leaves his ‘baby sister' Beryl Reed and has joined his late younger brother Arthur in the next life. His lifelong friend and colleague Jocko Thomas "from Police Headquarters" will miss their ongoing conversations. James came into this world May 27, 1913 as a 13 lb baby. He has been a force to be reckoned with all of his life. In whatever walk of life he was in at the time he was a leader: on the baseball field; on the hockey rink; as a milkman for Valleyview Dairy. He entered his most rewarding and challenging career when he joined the Toronto Police Department in 1936 working his way up through the ranks to become Toronto's youngest chief in 1958. During this time he had a hiatus when he joined the Royal Canadian Air Force where he became a flight instructor. After retiring from the department in 1970 Jim became Chairman of the Liquor License Board of Ontario from 1970 to 1975. Still the leader when he moved to Muskoka , Jim was not content to sit idle, so after spending a year as a School Trustee, he became Chairman of the Muskoka School Board. The time came for he and Anne to require individual ‘care' at the age of 91. He then became President of the Resident's Council at Bracebridge Villa R.R.. Jim was blessed with a good, healthy, long and wonderful journey in this life. James Page Mackey left this world in his own bed, holding the hands of his loving family. A Celebration of Life service will be held at Reynolds Funeral Home, 1 Mary Street, Bracebridge, Ontario 1-877-806-2257, 1-705-645-2257, www.reynoldsfuneral.com. on Sunday, March 1st, 2009 with visitation from 1 pm, Service at 2 pm, Reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations to Bracebridge Salvation Army or Toronto Police Widows and Orphans Fund.

Service Information

Sunday, March 1st, 2009 2:00pm, Reynolds Funeral Home "Turner Chapel"