THE PONDS – Lawrence Franklin “The Lad” MacKay, 65, The Ponds, passed away Wednesday, December 9, 2009 in the Aberdeen Hospital, New Glasgow, surrounded by his family. Born in New Glasgow, he was a son of the late Cecil Kirby and Charlotte Abigail (Mason) MacKay. He was a millwright and welder, and a member of The Millwrights and Machine Erectors Local 1178. He was an adherent of St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church, Merigomish. Lawrence was a “jack of all trades” and was always there with a smile on his face to lend a helping hand to anyone he could help. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, especially telling stories about “the big one”. He played softball, first base, with the Lismore Old-timers for many years. The Lad enjoyed life to the fullest and was deeply loved by his family and all those whose lives he touched. His children and grandchildren were his pride and joy. Surviving are his soul mate and love of his life for 38 years, Carolyn (Chapman); daughter, Michelle (Joanasie Nowdlak) and grandsons, Johnathan, Lucassie and Robbie Nowdlak, Iqaluit, Nunavut; son, Michael (Erin Lee), New Glasgow. The family will receive visitors 3-5 & 7-9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 11th in P. & K. MacDonald Funeral Home, New Glasgow. Funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 12th in St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church with Rev. Pat Rose officiating. Interment will be in Murray’s Point Cemetery. Donations may be made in his memory to the Aberdeen Palliative Care Society, the IWK Health Centre Foundation or St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church General Fund.