Joseph Mackay

Joseph Mackay (18 September 1810 – 2 June 1881), was a Scottish-born Canadian businessman and philanthropist. A co-founder of the Montreal wholesale dry goods firm Mackay Brothers, he became noted for his substantial benefactions to Presbyterian institutions and for establishing what became the Mackay Centre School for children with disabilities.

Early life Mackay was born in Kildonan, Scotland, the son of William McKay and Ann Matheson. In 1878 the institution was renamed the Mackay Institution for Protestant Deaf Mutes, and Joseph became its President. He was known for his frequent visits and personal involvement in the school’s activities.

After his death, the presidency passed first to Edward, then to Hugh. The school continues today as The Mackay School for the Deaf.

Personal life and death Mackay's house, Kildonan Hall, taken by William Notman & Co. in 1898 in winter. Joseph Mackay never married. He died on 6 June 1881 at his home, Kildonan Hall. His estate, estimated at about one million dollars (roughly $53 million in 2025), passed to his brother Edward, who in turn left his fortune to Hugh and later to Robert.

Joseph and Edward Mackay, who both remained bachelors, were regarded as among the wealthiest and most generous members of Montreal’s Scottish Presbyterian community.