DONALD JOHN MCKAY -

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DONALD JOHN MCKAY 1920 - 2006 Don was born on December 30, 1920 in Swan River to John and Ida McKay. He passed away peacefully at the Swan Valley Health Centre, on Friday, February 3, 2006, at the age of 85 years, with his wife by his side. Don received his early schooling in Swan River, and later attended St. Johns College in Winnipeg. In 1942, he enlisted in the Canadian Army and served overseas with the 11th Field Regiment, 40th Battery of the Royal Canadian Horse Artillery. Upon returning home in 1945, he again became part of the family business, P. McKay and Sons, and also the family farm. Eventually, he was to take over both of these businesses. In 1949, Don married Lois Lambert. They had four children, who along with their parents, were very actively involved in the community. Don was a member of the Swan River Rotary Club, the Royal Arch Masons, and was a life member of the Swan Valley Curling Club. He was honoured to have served his country, and was a 60 year member of the Royal Canadian Legion. Don was also an avid sports enthusiast throughout his life, and played and enjoyed hockey, football, baseball, curling and later on, golf. He enjoyed varying degrees of success in all of them, but his greatest success and passion was clearly hockey. Left to mourn his passing are Lois, his loving wife of 56 years; son Bob (Sue) and grandchildren, Gordon and Alison; daughter Beth (Bill) and grandchildren, Katie and Brock; daughter Kathy (Peter) and grandchildren, Kristine and Robert; and son Jack (Twyla) and grandchildren, Brett, Saegan and Justin. He is also survived by one sister Marianne and sisters-in-law, Isabelle McKay and Agnes McKay; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Don was predeceased by his parents, Jack and Ida McKay; his brothers, Bob and Peter; and sister Mayme. A memorial service was held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 7 from the St. Andrews United Church, Swan River, MB with Rev. Salesi Takau officiating. All who were present at the service were to consider themselves to be an honourary pallbearer. A private family interment service was held earlier in the day in the Birchwood Cemetery, Swan River, MB. Should friends so desire, memorial donations in Don's honour may be made to the Community Foundation of Swan Valley Inc., P.O. Box 1509, Swan River, MB R0L 1Z0. Honoured to serve the Family, Paull Funeral Home and Crematorium 506 - 2nd Street North, Swan River, 734-4556

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 09, 2006