TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A funeral for UK national “Grandpa Jerry” McKay, who cared for 200 stray cats in Kaohsiung’s Linyuan District, was held on Sunday (Aug. 18).

The NGO Taiwan Roots and Shoots organized the event, which attracted 40 participants, including Kaohsiung City Deputy Speaker-elect Tseng Chun-chieh (曾俊傑), DPP Legislator Hsu Chih-chieh (許智傑), and other city councilors.

The outpouring of support for McKay reflects his tireless care for the city’s stray cat population. He is scheduled for a tree burial in Kaohsiung’s Yanchao District on Aug. 28, per CNA.

Huang Yu-ling (黃御凌), chairman of Taiwan Roots and Shoots, said she assisted McKay for more than 10 years and was deeply moved by both his actions and spirit. She noted that despite having difficulty caring for himself, he personally looked after hundreds of cats.

“I hope Grandpa Jerry will continue to care for and protect cats in heaven. He will always be an angel for cats,” said Huang.

DPP Legislator Hsu Chih-chieh (許智傑) said that Grandpa Jerry came to Taiwan in 1984 and lived in the country for more than 40 years. “He is a real Taiwanese person,” said Hsu.

In addition to his love and care for stray cats, McKay also worked as an educator. Hsu thanked him for his contributions to Taiwan. Through his Facebook page, McKay shared his affection for local cats, detailing their unique personalities and special traits.

In his later years, McKay began to suffer from the effects of old age, making it difficult for him to continue caring for the stray cats. With the help of various NGOs, all the cats he cared for were put up for adoption before he passed away on July 8.