Throwback: MacKay Tower officially opened

If you would see his monument, look about you, the Rt. Hon. John Diefenbaker told a large audience here last Thursday afternoon [Oct. 20, 1977]. The former Canadian prime minister was addressing those attending the official opening of MacKay Tower, an eight-storey senior citizens' high rise on Main Street at 104th Avenue.

Mr. Diefenbaker was referring to Dr. Murdock Angus MacKay, the pioneer Tisdale medical practitioner after whom the structure was named. His comment referred to the tourist's question on visiting St. Paul's Cathedral in London and remarking there was no monument to its designer, Sir Christopher Wren.

As one who knew of the pioneer life in Saskatchewan, Mr. Diefenbaker said he understood the humanitarian instincts that motivated the early pioneer doctors of this province. Referring to the Roman poet, Horace, the guest speaker at the opening said it could have been said of Dr. MacKay that, “I have built a monument more enduring than brass.”

Wishing the residents of the new building well, he said that for the community of Tisdale, the structure was eloquent of hopes realized and dreams come true. The Hon. Cliff MacIsaac, MP for Battleford-Kindersley, represented the Government of Canada. In praising Tisdale for its achievement, he presented the chairman of the program, Jack Ives, with a Canadian flag to be flown at the building. The Hon. Jack Messer, MLA for Kelsey-Tisdale, representing the Government of Saskatchewan presented a provincial flag which the chairman turned over to Tisdale Housing Authority Chairman Jack Parsons. Mr. Messer also presented five sets of silver jubilee portraits of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip. These are for MacKay Tower, Heritage House, Kelsey Lodge, Tisdale Senior Citizens' Hall and Tisdale Helping Hands office.

Also speaking briefly were G. R. Day, manager of the Saskatoon office of CMHC; M. W. Sturby of SHC; Mayor Maurice Taylor and President Gregg McCutcheon of Tisdale Chamber of Commerce. Following a ribbon-cutting ceremony by Mr. Diefenbaker, assisted by Mr. Messer and Dr. MacIsaac, Mrs. Margaret Seens of Victoria, daughter of the late Dr. MacKay, spoke briefly. She expressed the family's appreciation for the recognition given her father. At this point the chairman of the program declared that the building would be known as MacKay Tower.

The building was then dedicated by the Rev. Gerald Steele of St. Matthew's Anglican Church. Representing the general contractor, Poole Construction Limited, John Neill presented the keys of the structure to Douglas Pichler. Mr. Pichler, president of Mid-Canada Consultants who provided the engineering and architectural services, passed these to THA Chairman Jack Parsons.

Following the ceremony, tours of the building were conducted and refreshments were served. It had been planned to hold the ceremony at the front of the building. However, strong winds made it necessary to move the festivities to the lounge of the building.