OLIVER JAMES MCKAY

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OLIVER JAMES MCKAY Peacefully, after a brief illness, it is with deep regret that we announce the passing of a beloved husband and father, Oliver McKay, on July 11, 2006 at 2:30 a.m. at the Health Sciences Center in Winnipeg, at the young age of 49. Having lived and worked most of his live in Berens River, Oliver ultimately moved to Winnipeg due to illness. Oliver resided with his loving wife and children. Oliver worked hard as a young man, fishing and logging with his Father. More recently, he served a term as Mayor of Berens River Community Council. Most recently, he was employed by the Berens River Health Center as Chief Security until his health began to deteriorate. Oliver's greatest passion was living as a born-again Christian. Next came his love for his wife, children, grandchildren, mother and family. Last, but not least, his love for his friends and visiting. Oliver is survived by his wife of 22 years, Beverly; his daughters: Eden (Brian) Whiteway, and Hope; sons: Tache and Jones. Grand-children: Faith, Hannah, Jay, Jordan. Mother Mary; and brother Russell (Christine) McKay; sisters: Margaret (Nelson) Bear, Joyce, Sandra (George) Boucher, Linda, and Diane (Trent) Harper. Brothers-in-law, George (Darlene) Everett, Harry (Evelyn) Everett; and sisters-in-law, Violet Sinclair and Christine Everett. Oliver was predeceased by daughter Bonnie on September 20, 1998; father Alex on November 23, 1994; brother Maurice on August 6, 2003; nieces, Connie on November 8, 1999 and Barbara on October 24, 2005; and nephew Wilfred McKay on May 23, 1985. On Wednesday, July 12, 6:00 p.m. 12:00 a.m., prayers and viewing will be held at Aboriginal Funeral Chapel, 724 Selkirk Ave. where Oliver worked for many years as a liaison and clergy. Wakes to be held on Thursday, July 13 and Friday, July 14 at Berens River House of Prayer. Funeral service will take place on Saturday, July 15, with Reverend Oliver Everett officiating. Interment to follow at Berens River Cemetery. Pallbearers are Colin Semple, Trent Harper, Ryan McKay, Lionel Leveque, Justin Boucher, Brian Whiteway. Honorary Pallbearers are Mary, Jones, Hope, Tache, Eden, Faith, Hannah, Jay and Jordan. Special thanks to staff at HSC 4H, Dialysis Unit, Aboriginal Funeral Chapel, Berens River First Nation, especially Chief George Kemp, sister-in-law Violet, who took special care of him, and brother-in-law Nelson Bear, who visited him often. A Heart Aches Poem by Tache McKay Implored for the moment of his last breath That all the Angels are present at his death bed Once his vast spirits of sincerity and peace Carried off unto the Heavens in Gods embrace I kept your hardships until you needed to cry In deplore I will whisper silently goodbye Not that you're gone, it is said; a heart aches The upside is that your daughter awaits.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 13, 2006