Ceridian Announces Death of President, Dave MacKay
March 28, 2016
The Ceridian family is saddened to announce the sudden passing of Dave MacKay, President of Ceridian. Dave embodied Ceridian’s heart and soul for over three decades. His leadership was driven by the strong belief that a company’s success begins with the employee experience. This simple yet profound approach influenced all of our actions and shaped our culture. Dave had an extremely deep passion for the company, our employees and customers worldwide.
"Dave was universally loved and admired at Ceridian and in the community," says David Ossip, Chairman and CEO, Ceridian. "The memories and condolences that we continue to receive are a true testament to Dave’s character. He had a tremendous impact on us as individuals and as an organization, and leaves behind a powerful legacy of kindness, integrity and humility. Ceridian grieves Dave’s sudden passing. He will be sorely missed."
Dave joined the business in March 1983 when the company was Control Data. He held a number of management positions in the U.S. and Canada and was instrumental in forming Ceridian Canada in 1998 where he provided leadership in product development, business process outsourcing, sales and marketing before becoming President in 2007. During his tenure as President of Ceridian Canada, Dave created a number of highly successful HR solutions including Canada’s first internet payroll application. A pioneer in blending e-business strategies with traditional business models, Dave was a true visionary. He had a keen eye for the forces that shape the business world and understood the strategies deployed to shape the future. In 2013, Dave became the President of the consolidated global Ceridian business.
Dave believed in the value of ‘giving where we’re living." In 2013, he formed Ceridian Cares, Ceridian Canada’s own charity whose mission is to improve the quality of life within communities across Canada by providing financial assistance directly to individuals and families in need.
"It was important to Dave that Ceridian have a legacy of service to the community. He firmly believed that we must succeed by doing good in our communities in addition to doing well as a business," adds Mr. Ossip. "We will honor him by continuing to work following the example he set for us."
Our deepest sympathies go to Dave’s children Kirsten and Reilly and their mother, Sheila.
Friends are invited to visit at the West Chapel of Hulse, Playfair & McGarry, 150 Woodroffe Avenue (at Richmond Road) on Tuesday, March 29th from 1-4 pm and 6-8 pm. A Celebration of David’s Life will be held at First Unitarian Sanctuary, 30 Cleary Avenue on Wednesday, March 30th at 11:30 am. For those wishing, donations can be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation or Starlight Children’s Foundation of Canada.
Ceridian will hold a memorial service in Toronto on April 5.