Obituary of Dave McKarney

Guitar player, adventurer, fast-vehicle enthusiast, Dad and Pa, John David McKarney (Dave) died peacefully and surrounded by family on June 23, 2018, at age 80, following a recent diagnosis of brain cancer. Born March 14, 1938 to the late George McKarney and Evelyn (Joyce) McKarney of Westville, Nova Scotia, Dave was the youngest and last surviving of seven children, to whom he was always "Davy": Bert (Theresa), George (Joyce), Ballem "Patrick Kearney", Sheldon "Donnie" (Mildred), Carole (George), and Colin (Anne).

After attending Westville High School, he began his career at General Motors in Oshawa ON then joined the Royal Canadian Air Force as an Air Traffic Controller in Bagotville, QC. Dave returned to Oshawa before moving home to Pictou County to work at the newly-opened Scott Pulp Mill, where he worked for 25 years before retirement, and to raise his three children; Linda, Steve, and Shannon, all of whom he was infinitely proud.

Dave was a restless wanderer, a man who never sat still, who always worked on endless house projects and who loved to go fast, whether it was on a motorcycle, a bicycle, the ski hill, or in a sports car (a trait he passed on to both his son and grandson). As favourite uncle to many nieces and nephews, he was always one to pick up the phone and call, whether you were down the road or halfway across the planet. He relished travel and enjoyed many trips, including several to the Montreal Grand Prix; the southern United States; Mexico; Australia; Ontario and Alberta to visit his wandering daughters; and a several-month work placement in Chile. Never having met a stringed instrument he didn’t like, he frequently travelled around the Maritimes for Bluegrass festivals, and often just dropped in to visit his many friends, girlfriends, his children or his three beloved grandchildren: Jamie and Lee Hammond, and Avery Cadeau (who all knew he was the coolest grandfather around).

As we say goodbye to Dave, we remember his many lessons on how to live a good life. He taught us that you can never have too many vehicles, guitars, or jackets, and that Chilean Pisco doesn’t give you a hangover. He taught us that old westerns and Uma Thurman movies can coexist side by side, and that the perfect day included a long walk on the beach with his dog, then sitting on his deck in the sunshine, drinking a cold beer, and playing one of his many left-handed guitars. He taught us that if you put in the effort to eat the lobster bodies, you’ll always end up with more lobster than anyone else. And his last, and most important lesson: we are all only as old as we think we are, and while it’s sad when it ends, it’s sure fun while it lasts.

The family extends sincere thanks to the East Hants Colchester Hospital Palliative Care team: 　Dr. C. Smith, Rachel MacDonald, Kendall, Kaylie and Janet. Special thanks to Dr. Randy Burrill, Pictou. 　

Cremation has taken place. The family will be receiving visitors at 1pm on Thursday June 28 at Eagles Funeral Home, Westville, NS followed by a short service at 2pm. Following the service, we will be sending Dave off in the manner in which he would have most approved: A proper Irish wake will be held at 3 pm at 135 Provost St in New Glasgow. All are welcome. Bring your guitar, because it wouldn’t be a party for Dave McKarney without a jam session. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the following charities: SPCA Nova Scotia, www.spcans.ca donation page (donation in the memory of Dave McKarney), or to the East Hants Palliative Care unit. You may also remember Dave by washing your car until it’s glistening. He would love that.