Early Life
Mackay was born in Formosa (Taiwan). His grandfather was Dr. George Leslie Mackay, who was instrumental in bringing Christianity and public health care to Northern Taiwan (Formosa). The well-known Mackay Memorial Hospital was named after his ancestor.
He completed a B.A. at Clark University in 1939. He obtained an M.A. from Boston University in 1941. That same year he left his studies to join the war effort. Mackay enlisted in the Canadian Armed Forces. Mackay completed training near Toronto and further training as a private (gunner) at a large artillery camp in Petawawa, on the Ottawa River. He was commissioned an Officer by 1942. Before the Second World War ended he attained the rank of Major in the Canadian Intelligence Corps. He was stationed in Ottawa until he was discharged in 1946.
Read more about this topic: J. Ross Mackay
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