Obituary of Robert Simson Mackay

MACKAY, Robert Simson, Q.C. – Born April 7, 1926; died Aug 3, 2011, peacefully at Mount Hope Centre. Bob was predeceased by his beloved wife, Anne. They found their greatest joy in traveling the world together for 46 years. Dear father of Ian Mackay and his wife Madalena of London, and Ellen Barocas and her husband Jim of Miami, Florida. Dearest Granddaddy of Julia and Tovah Barocas. Beloved brother of Patricia Raymer of Toronto and Barbara Robinson of Ottawa. Bob trained as a paratrooper during WW2, after which he followed his father, William Perry Mackay, K.C. into the legal profession, graduating from Osgoode Hall, Toronto and receiving his LL.M. from Columbia University, New York. He practiced for a time with his father in Simcoe, Ontario but found his life's calling as a teacher and mentor to generations of law students, first at the School of Law, University of Toronto and for many years at the University of Western Ontario Faculty of Law where he served as Dean from 1969 to 1973 and taught until his retirement. UWO conferred upon him the title of Professor Emeritus in 1989. In 1965, he took a three year hiatus from teaching when he was appointed by Chief Justice J.C. McRuer to assist in an Ontario royal commission on civil rights. He was a passionate advocate for equality under the law and the rights of all citizens to its protection. Bob dearly loved his students and they, in turn, loved him. His kindness and generosity were appreciated by colleagues, friends and family and his sense of humor was legendary. A memorial service will be conducted at the Westview Funeral Chapel, 709 Wonderland Road North, on Sunday, August 14th, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. with visitation one hour prior. If desired, donations may be made to The John Howard Society of Ontario or the charity of your choice in memory of Bob.