In Memory of Spencer MacKay

Filmmaker, comedian, activist, and friend

December 05, 2024

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of the filmmaker and AFCOOP member, Spencer MacKay. A gracious and passionate individual, who had an inspiring and infectious energy in the AFCOOP community. We are all devastated by this news and extend our utmost sympathy to his family and friends.

Henry Colin, Programs and Outreach Coordinator, has written in memory of Spencer:

When I first took over as programs coordinator, Spencer immediately became a face I would always see around the co-op. He was a model member of AFCOOP and the community. He’d be at every meeting and every event and he always had a new project he wanted to talk about. I, like many, was struck by his kindness and generosity. Even more, I was struck by his ambition, drive and absolute passion for film.

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I, like many, was struck by his kindness and generosity. Even more, I was struck by his ambition, drive and absolute passion for film. 

Spencer was a prolific filmmaker who’s work touched on subjects and people too often overlooked by society. He did so with grace and humour. Reading a new project from Spencer was always exciting, just to see where he was going next. Spencer helped many emerging filmmakers get their start in this industry and has had a profound impact on the community as a whole.

Recently he shared his latest project with me. It was going to be his biggest and most ambitious to date. Spencer had many more films in him. More than most. While it is sad we will not get to see his future works, Spencer leaves behind a body of work that speaks to the man he was. I am grateful to have known him.

Spencer and fellow filmmaker, Olivia King at the AFCOOP Linda Joy and Atlantic International Film Festival Awards 2024

Erica Meus-Saunders, Executive Director, writes of MacKay:

Spencer always greeted me with a big smile, and an enthusiastic, “Hey Erica …” before diving into conversation. Every time he showed up at a General Meeting (GM), he brought that signature smile and enthusiasm. Spence was full of energy and kindness, and brought so much to the film community. He will be greatly missed.

Still from MacKay’s most recent film, LOCKDOWN

There will be a service tomorrow, Friday, December 6th to celebrate Spencer’s life. It will take place from 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm at the J.A. Snow Funeral Home (339 Lacewood Drive. Halifax, NS B3S 0E1). The family asks in lieu of flowers, donations will be accepted for the IWK Foundation on Spencer’s behalf, or another charity of your choice.

Spencer MacKay’s Obituary

For those looking to access support during this time of grief, please see the following support lines:

The Peer Support Phone Service is a toll-free, non-crisis, province wide service, available to all Nova Scotians 18 years of age or older. It is staffed by trained peer supporters, who have personal or family-based lived experience with mental health and/or substance use challenges.

Access Wellness provides a single session of 1-to-1 counselling to help people dealing with mental health concerns (like anxiety, job loss, grief, relationship issues and substance use). Counselling sessions can be online, by phone or in person in Sydney, Halifax, Kentville or New Glasgow. You can call the support team to book an appointment.

Call toll-free: 1-833-691-2282 (7 days a week, 8:30 am to 11:00 pm)

Mygrief.ca - Canadian Virtual Hospice

MyGrief.ca is an online resource to help people move through their grief from the comfort of their own home, at their own pace. It can help you understand your grief and approach some of the most difficult questions that may arise.