Obituaries

 

Amy Christian Pullen McKay

Passed 2/13/2026

Text:

Obituary For Amy Christian Pullen McKay

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 Pullen 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.

Photos & Video

Add New Photos & Video

Condolences

  • 04/05/2026

    Margot Metcalfe

    I was blessed to have Tinker in my life during a period of time in which I worked at St. Paul's Church. She was a joy to know and also a talented and generous person. Her work on the archives, as noted in her obituary, is a gift to all Halagonians, and even Nova Scotians, as the earliest settler (and sometimes Indigenous), births, marriages and deaths were recorded there. I was also able to witness her incredible generosity. People would arrive from all around the globe, often unaware that they needed to make an appointment to get help with the Archives. Sometimes they were only in Halifax briefly while on cruise. Tinker often stayed late to help these people. And no one ever went away empty handed. If Tinker was unable to help in the moment, she would take information and follow up. And she also gave people information about other sources that they could explore. It was lovely to witness the gratitude of so many people. Tinker was a gift to us all. Her memory lives on.

  • 04/02/2026

    Richard and Janet Miles

    When my husband and I arrived in Halifax, Tinker made us most welcome as we lived in the same neighbourhood and our children attended the same school. We were saddened to hear of her passing. Our thoughts are with John and family. Richard and Janet Miles

  • 04/02/2026

    Kathy Large

    I am so sorry to hear that your wife has passed on, John. You were so lucky to find such a wonderful partner in life. My sincere condolences to you and your family at this sad time.

  • 03/27/2026

    marilla speller

    Tinker and knew each other before we went to Dalhousie. I will miss seeing her when I used to visit Halifax from England where i now live. May she rest in peace. From Marilla Merritt Speller

  • 03/27/2026

    Gerry Joudrey

    My wife and I met Tinker while researching our ancestors at Saint Paul's. She was just so helpful and provided invaluable information on my family who arrived in Halifax in 1752, three who died during that first winter and who are buried in the Old Burying Grounds. Tinker provided me with their death certificates. We are so very sorry for your loss, truly an amazing and giving person, may she rest in peace. Gerry Joudrey and Jayne Gladwin

  • 03/26/2026

    Carol Sinclair

    Tinker and I met at the Ladies College in grade 3 and were close friends from then until we graduated from Dalhousie. I have lost a wonderful friend and she will be missed by all who have known her over the years. Sincerely Carol Sinclair

  • 03/26/2026

    Doug Beattie

    Sorry to learn of Tinker's passing, John. She will be missed by many and especially family. She created many good memories while at CBC. Doug Beattie

  • 02/21/2026

    Mary Sproull Pomeroy

    Dear John and family, Jim joins me in sending our sincerest sympathy to you all at this sad time. Mary Sproull Pomeroy

  • 02/20/2026

    Anne Simms

    Tinker McKay will be missed. Her energy and continued curiosity about life and people is a wonderful example of community building. Our hearts are breaking for the sadness her family have to endure with her passing, but joyful memories of Tinker should be held close to our hearts. Rest in peace Tinker

Add a Candle or Spiritual Image

Click below to add to your message.