GEORGE WILBUR CUDDY MCKAY

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GEORGE WILBUR CUDDY MCKAY January 1, 1915-August 8, 2012 George died peacefully on the afternoon of August 8, 2012, while looking forward to his busy evening agenda of sports watching. In its 98th year, his heart simply got tired. George was predeceased in 2004, by his wife of 63 years, Roberta Elizabeth (nee McDougall). He leaves to mourn their daughter, Kathryn (Jim) Patterson; grandchildren: Suzanne (Richard) Bell, and David (Cathy) Patterson; great-grandchildren: Spencer, Kendall, Jackson, Sydney, and Rowan. George was raised in Sanford, Manitoba, and in 1932, at age 17, bought his first land. Several years later his farming profits allowed him to attend the University of Manitoba and graduate, in 1940, with a Bachelor of Science degree. Later that year he joined the Air Force. The following year, on July 21, he married Roberta. From 1941 to 1944 the couple lived at various postings in Canada, and in 1944 George went overseas, returning on December 1, 1945. Although he had intended to use his Science degree and go into research, when his father decided to retire from farming, and now having a wife and daughter to support, his career path altered and in 1946, he and Roberta started farming in Sanford. They remained on that farm until 1965, when they left farming and moved into their new home in the townsite. During these years George also took an active part in the community: President of the Sanford Legion, Chairman of the School Board, and President of the Sanford Elevator Board. Curling was also a favourite winter pastime. Because of his involvement with farming, from 1946 until 1960, when required, he worked as an inspector for Prairie Farm Assistance. From 1960 to 1969, he was an agent for Manitoba Crop Insurance, becoming a full-time government employee in 1969. In 1975, he became Eastern Supervisor for Manitoba Crop Insurance, retiring in 1980. He often mentioned how many wonderful farmers he had met during these years. Concurrently with farming, in 1952 he turned his hobby of amateur radio (VE4GG) with his love of tinkering, into repairing and selling RCA Victor televisions. Because of the help and support of his organized, capable wife, he was able to sustain three demanding livelihoods simultaneously. [Kathryn's editorial]. Hard work also earned George and Roberta hours of fun: golfing at 'the Wildewood', playing bridge with friends, wintering in Panama City Beach, Florida, and spending many happy times with family. During these years the passion of his life became the computer. That love stayed with him until his dying day. In 1989, the couple moved to White Rock, BC; then in 2002 to Gibsons to be near their daughter. After Roberta died, George decided he would like to move into a seniors' residence: 'the Gibsons Garden Inn'. There, he lived out the remainder of his days with the attentive care of the owners and staff. A graveside service will be held at the Columbaria in Elmwood Cemetery on Saturday, September 15 at 11:00 a.m. George will join his beloved Roberta.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 18, 2012