Donnchadh Alasdair Dhonnchaidh Alasdair

Duncan Alexander “D.A.” MacKay was from Frank MacDonald Road, Grand River, Richmond County. His ancestors came from Lochalsh in Ross-shire, Scotland.

He was the son of Alexander Donald MacKay and Margaret Murchison. Duncan married Mary Raney of Point Michaud, and together they had one son and one daughter.

Duncan worked locally as a lumber scaler and also spent time working in the lumber industry in northern Quebec. He was fluent in English and Gaelic, and conversant in French.

The MacKay home in Grand River was known as a true céilidh house. Friends and neighbours would gather there for house parties where English was left at the door, and the best of Gaelic culture came alive through songs, stories, music, dancing, and lively conversation. Home recordings were made of some of these vibrant gatherings.

Duncan is remembered as an exceptional singer. He often sang in church and served as a precentor. On Sacrament Sundays in the summer, he would lead the congregation in Gaelic psalm singing, his voice strong and clear.

Duncan passed away on December 27, 1966, and is buried in Grand River, Richmond County.