ROBERT TRAVERS MCKAY

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ROBERT TRAVERS (BOB) MCKAY With much sadness, we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend to so many, Bob McKay, on July 4, 2017, in the extended care unit of Portage District General Hospital, at the age of 90 years. He leaves to mourn his loss, his loving wife of 67 years, Jean; sons, Don, Brad, Todd (Ruth), and Bart (Jo-Anne); grandchildren, Billi (Paul Young), Rebecca, Camille, Arielle, Spencer, and Kailen; great-grandchildren, Zenia and Brady; his sister Audrey DeKoven and her family; as well as his many friends in Portage and throughout southern Manitoba. Bob was born in Pilot Mound, Manitoba on November 16, 1926, the older of two siblings, to Vi and Les McKay. He met Jean McLennan at a dance in 1949 and they were married May 27, 1950 in Greenway, Manitoba. They had four boys (and unfortunately for Mom no girls!) over the next 15 years. After working for his father, selling cars and trucks, doing automotive repairs and fuel delivery services, for several years, Bob and Jean purchased the Chrysler vehicle dealership and garage from Les and Vi in 1959. Bob's passion for car dealing would last his entire life! Bob was also very active in his community, having served as a councillor for the town of Pilot Mound, and a member of the Kinsmen Club, and the golf club for many years. The family moved to Portage la Prairie following the sale of McKay's Garage in 1973, where Dad began employment with Portage Chrysler, again selling cars and eventually moving into managing the service department. He began another occupation in the late 70s driving a school bus for the Portage School Divisionhe loved this job and all of the students he transported loved him back. He officially retired in 1988, although when driving the bus, he almost felt semi-retired as he was able to participate in two of his passions, golf and curling, both of which he enjoyed until his early 80's, only then slowed down by heart problems. Another favourite activity was 'coffeeing' with his friends, usually twice a day at McDonalds in Wal-Mart and other places. We think the stories that came out of these 'meetings' with his buddies would fill several volumes! The last 21 months of his life were spent in Portage Hospital, where he was surrounded by very caring staff members who grew to become like family to him and Mom. Our sincere appreciation goes out to them! Bob was a great husband and father; he loved his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and spent as much time as possible with them. During the years in Pilot Mound, he and his dad built a cottage nearby Rock Lake, which the family enjoyed each summerwe all learned to fish, swim, and water ski, and generally had a fun time at 'the lake'. We have much to be grateful forif you came into Bob's life you were important to him, and we thank God for his happy and friendly disposition. At his request, there will be no funeral service. A celebration of Bob's life will be held at the Herman Prior Centre, 40 Royal Road N. in Portage la Prairie on Friday, August 4, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. If so desired, donations in Bob's memory may be made to the Portage District General Hospital Foundation, 524 Fifth Street S.., Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 3A8 or a charity of your choice. Condolences may be left at our website: www.ronaldmoffitmemorialservices.com/ obituaries. Arrangements entrusted to Ronald Moffit Memorial Services

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 15, 2017