James Dougald ‘Mr. Mac’ McKellar

Being a fellow teacher in the Thames Valley system and also living in the Hillcrest area, made our relationship with Jim so memorable. He worked so enthusiastically with our children, Wendy and Shannon (both teachers) and Michael (research scientist) when he was a young child and learning the wonder of Science from Mr. Mac. Jim and.I worked together on science curriculum over the years and his enthusiasm never waned. You will always be remembered for the goodness you brought to others. Thanks Mr.Mac.

Growing up for so many years in the house beside Mr. Jim, Mrs. 'Kellar, Scott and Mark leaves a real old fashioned imprint on my memory. Mr. Jim, always full of fun, always smiling, always a friend and always ready to do anything for anyone, made Pinewood Dr. special. From dropping off my Dad at work each day, to always lending me tools, to ALWAYS being genuinely interested in what I was up to and helping me with the tough math problems, I remember him as very special guy. He will truly be missed.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this most difficult time. Gwen & Max Black Hockey friends SW Optimist.

Mark and Family I am sorry to hear of your fathers passing. Thinking of you during this difficult time.

So saddened by Jim's passing.. We will treasure the memories of our times shared with him. Whether a bus trip to TigerStadium, a Knights' game or a day golfing in our Charity Tournament, his good humour always bettered the occasion. We will remember him as a great family man and a friend who made a difference in our lives.

To Scott and family, We are sorry to hear the news of the passing of your Dad. The McKellar household was a welcoming place to all the crazy engineers many years ago. Our thoughts are with you even though we cannot be there. Don and Cheryl Hockin

Mr McKellar, you and Mrs Mckellar were my parents away from home back in the early 80's while attending Western with your son Scott. Your home was always somewhere many of us future Engineers would gather for the odd drink and planning session for the next campus prank. Your home was the central hub at Graduation where you welcomed the graduates and their families. It's obvious that you were a special teacher Mr MAC. It's also obvious that you were a great dad and grandfather. I base this on how Scott, Marc and their families have all turned out. The London Knights have lost a great fan and I'm sure you will be cheering them on from above. Thanks for the memories! Cheers!

Mr McKellar was the best teacher ever. He believed in the motto "Freedom with Responsibility" and was always fair. I learned so much from him that I still practice today. I believe he brought out the best in his students and drove them to succeed. My deepest condolences to his family. God bless you Mr. Mac.

My thoughts and prayers to you all. Having met Jim many years ago in University and then becoming a neighbour I will always remember his smile, conversations at the end of the driveway and humour. I am glad I have some found memories which I know you all will have as well and treasure.

My late husband Rod worked with "Jimmy" at Bob Martin Golf. Not a day went by without Rod coming home with some hilarious story of or from Jim. Jim was always upbeat, smiling and a pleasure to work with. We always enjoyed being in the company of Jim and Mary Lou at gatherings at Bob & Kathy Martins as he entertained us with stories of Hillcrest! Jim was a truly a great guy! My deepest condolences to your family and neighbours.

Lou and family, we are so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. Our thoughts are with you.

Our condolences to Mr. McKellar's family. We were students at Hillcrest PS and were lucky enough to been taught and coached by Mr Mac. We were always amazed by the jars of miscellaneous creatures/items in his classroom room closet! Mr McKellar was an excellent teacher and made a difference in so many children's lives.

(Donated to Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario)

(Donated to Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario)

(Donated to Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario)

(Donated to Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario)

(Donated to Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario)

(Donated to Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario)

So many memories of life on Pinewood Drive and " Mr. Jim". From toboganning down our hill onto his driveway, climbing in and our of his trailer, watching Wizard of Oz , to "divining water " years later with our own children and Mr. Jim on the front lawn. What a wonderful neighbour to have for so many years. A quick shout of hello at the back door and then walk right in to the house to a warm and wonderful greeting. Mr Jim was always ready to help anyone out with anything needed.

I had the honour of being Mr. MacKellacr's students in 1976/1977. He was a wonderful man and an incredible teacher. To this day he still pops up in my mind. My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.

I had the pleasure of being a student of Mr McKellars at Hillcrest graduating class of 1980. I remember him giving me a hug when my dad suddenly passed in 1977. Some of my greatest childhood memories were of that school and him as my teacher. He taught us so much more than science! My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends as you mourn the loss of such a terrific man.

Lou, I am so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. I will miss him very much. The way he would come into the office and see me and say "Hello Sweetheart" always made me smile. He was such a lovely gentleman, and I will always have fond memories of him. God Bless you all during this difficult time and may Jim rest in peace. Jenn (Byron Family)

Mr Mac was my favourite teacher at Hillcrest PS - he made me love Science even more and was always telling everyone to wear a toque because of lost body heat. He was a great man. RIP Mr. Mac and my condolences to his family and friends.

I had the privilege of working with Jim twice in my career......first as a rookie teacher and then as a rookie vice-principal. He was a great mentor emphasizing that students always came first. His great sense of humour and wit made for many happy memories and kept life in perspective. God Bless, Jim.

Mr. Mac was my homeroom teacher in 1982. He made everything such fun. His excitement extended from the science lab, which housed his fascinating collection of preserved fauna, to the impromptu class baseball games on hot June afternoons, to Wheels, where he joined us in roller skating (sadly, that was the year he broke his elbows avoiding a collision with a kid who fell on the rink), to our class Quebec trip (where he tickled our funny bones by mispronouncing the bus driver's name--calling him Gateau instead of Gaeten). Everything he did, he did with passion and enthusiasm. Seldom do you find a teacher with such exuberance. He made a difference in this world and won't be forgotten.

Lou, My thoughts are with you and your family at this difficult time. Jim was a kind gentleman and always had a smile when he met you.He enjoyed life and was always positive. My prayers are with you.

I have the pleasure of having Mr. Mac in my graduating class of 1982. He had the great gift to teach and certainly made a huge impact in my life. My thoughts are with your family. Be proud of all the lives he has influenced for no doubt it was many!

Mr Jim, the name is synonymous with always there to help. Mr. Jim a fixture on Pinewood Drive; making snowmen in our front yard when we were little, teaching us to play baseball, helping Audrey with electrical work in the house, Sheila with math and deciding about getting contact lenses and then keeping those red socks for the day she finally married. Mr. Jim brought everyone together and always had a heart that was ready for one more in his life. Mr. Jim will always be remembered with a smile on our faces. You are missed by many Mr. Jim, thank you for gracing our lives with your gentle soul.

Lou and family. I am so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. I enjoyed talking to him along our family's path. He will be missed. I am sorry that I will not be able to attend the memorial. Wendy.

I was very saddened by the news of Jim's passing. I have nothing but fond, happy memories of Jim and Lou, and my deepest sympathy goes out to Lou and family. Jim's happy spirit made the world a better place. Your friends and family will miss you very much. Peace!

Mr. Mac was my homeroom teacher in 1982. He made everything such fun. His excitement extended from the science lab, which housed his fascinating collection of preserved fauna, to the impromptu class baseball games on hot June afternoons, to Wheels, where he joined us in roller skating (sadly, that was the year he broke his elbows avoiding a collision with a kid who fell on the rink), to our class Quebec trip (where he tickled our funny bones by mispronouncing the bus driver's name--calling him Gateau instead of Gaeten). Everything he did, he did with passion and enthusiasm. Seldom do you find a teacher with such exuberance. He made a difference in this world and won't be forgotten.

Mr Mac was more than just a teacher to us. He was a mentor, friend, parent and most of all always there for us. Both at Hillcrest and outside school, where I was lucky enough to race against him and Al Chute's team for years. Mr Mac / Jim was a character, a gentleman and a great inspiration to us all, even when he was bellowing out " No running in My Halls"..... he made History / Science and trips to Quebec fun for us students and will never be forgotten, as he created his own legacy with everyone that passed through the halls of Hillcrest PS

Well JD. All I can say is Thank You for being one of the best neighbours a family could ask for. A great friend and mentor to so many. To Mrs Mac, Scott and Mark and your families, our condolences from the Wood family on the loss of a truly wonderful man. You were always a great help with our racing and even shared your golf tips the other day that helped get rid of my nasty slice. Thanks JD for everything.

Our condolences to Lou and family on the passing of a truly remarkable man. Not only the staff at Kimberley's enjoyed Jim's humor but customers in the store would ask how often did he visit as they would like to be here when he returned. He will be greatly missed.

Mark, my deepest sympathies to you and your family at such a difficult time. As I read through the other condolences, it is clear your dad lived a full life, loved and appreciated by so many, from students, to friends and neighbours, and of course beloved by his dearest. Find comfort in knowing that your dad has left such a wonderful legacy, and that his memory will continue for years to come.