Obituaries

Amy Christian McKean Pullen McKay
1936 – 13 February 2026

Amy “Tinker” Pullen McKay, community historian and volunteer, died on February 13, 2026, at the Whitehills Long Term Care Centre in Hammonds Plains, Nova Scotia.

Born in Halifax, she was the eldest daughter of Helen Pullen (née McKean) and Ret. Rear-Admiral Hugh Francis Pullen, OBE, CD, RCN. Her happiest childhood memories were shared with her six siblings at Big Hill in Chester Basin. Though christened Amy, she preferred Tinker, a moniker bestowed by her father when she was an infant. The name better matched her quick wit, lively intelligence, and musical voice.

Tinker graduated from Halifax Ladies’ College and entered Dalhousie University at age 15, earning a BA in English. She was Head Girl at Sheriff Hall in her final year. After declining a postgraduate scholarship in History, she worked in London before returning to Canada to join the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation during its formative years. As a script assistant, she contributed to CBC programming and performed in radio dramas. She later chose to marry John Fraser McKay and build a family life grounded in community and history.

History remained central throughout her life. At St. Paul’s Church, Grand Parade, she served for many years as a genealogical researcher and helped shape the modern St. Paul’s Archives. She played a central role in recovering, organizing, and preserving records that date back to the founding of Halifax. Through her efforts, documents that had been poorly housed and at risk of damage were conserved and properly protected.

In recognition of this work, she was named the inaugural recipient of the Mayor’s Award for Outstanding Contribution by an Individual to a Museum or Archives in Halifax. The award recognized her dedication to preserving the historical record of the church, the city, and the province.

Tinker was also an active community volunteer. She ran the plant table at the IWK Kermesse, supported the Heart and Cancer Societies, and was a longtime supporter of the Ecology Action Centre. A keen gardener, she established colourful beds in many corners of her beloved Nova Scotia.

She is survived by her husband of 60 years, John, and their four children and nine grandchildren: Professor Deirdre McKay (Dr. Benjamin Smith, UK, and Callum McKay-Smith); Christina McKay (Mikael Brodin, Halifax, and Timothy, Genevieve, and Linnea); Dr. Hugh McKay (Dr. Monique Richard, USA, and Shannon, Alyssa, and Grace); and Mary McKay (Stuart Benson, Ottawa, and Abbigail and Thomas).

She also leaves her siblings Helen Cathcart, Frances Gregor (Dr. Ronald), and Margo Sly. She was predeceased by her brothers Hugh Pullen (Gill) and William Pullen (Julia) and her sister Sarah McLaughlin. She will be remembered by her nieces, nephews, friends, and neighbours.

Her family thanks the compassionate care team at Whitehills for their support in her final months.

A memorial service will be held on April 6 at noon at St. Paul’s Church, Grand Parade. Donations may be made to the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic or to St. Paul’s Church in support of the Parish Archives.