John McKEE

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McKEE: John James Wilson McKee, 1936 – 2010. With his loving family by his side Wilson McKee of Brookdale, Manitoba passed away peacefully July 11, 2010 in the Brandon Hospital after a 6 month battle with cancer. Wilson was born March 20, 1936 in the RM of Langford. He was the sixth youngest child of Jack and Susan McKee. Wilson attended elementary school at Glenburney School and Brookdale School for his high schooling.In 1963 Wilson married Pat Macdonald of Brandon, MB. They purchased SW 6-13-16 where they lived for five years, then purchased NE 6-13-16 where they have lived since. Wilson and Pat had four children Karen, Donald, Nancy and Brent. Except for one winter working in Brandon at the Steam Plant, Wilson farmed all his life. He was a dedicated farmer who was never afraid to tackle even the hardest job. Running a mixed farm operation had Wilson milking cows, selling cream, keeping pigs, haying and grain farming. Into his 70’s he kept a feedlot of steers and a small cow-calf herd. Wilson loved the look of a finely tilled field and a well finished steer.Wilson was also sports minded, a natural athlete and a strong competitor. AT the age of 14 he started to play baseball on the men’s teams. He played with Franklin, Springhill and later pitching and playing third base with the Neepawa Farmers and Neepawa Cubs. The most enjoyable years were those spent playing with the Cubs, an experience which resulted in lifelong friendships.Wilson’s winter sport of choice was curling. His dedication and ability in the sport resulted in many trophies and prizes. Wilson’s family would tease him saying he had curled in most rinks from Flin Flon, MB to Bisbee, ND and from Virden, MB to Glasgow, Scotland. In his senior years, Wilson played third on the Barrie Montgomery rink, twice representing their zone in the Master’s Provincial Curling Championships. Wilson was a member of the committee that helped organize the building of the Brookdale rink. Wilson and Roland Stewart had the foresight to advocate and bring artificial ice in Brookdale in 1979. Wilson was honored by being asked to throw the ceremonial opening rock at the Brookdale Curling Club’s Centennial.Wilson and Bill Sumner paired up to golf in the Senior Men’s and Interclub leagues. Once again Wilson enjoyed the sport and shared many laughs with old and new friends.Wilson passed on his love of sports to his children and grandchildren as their teacher and mentor.Wilson was very fond of children and always encouraged his own four to be the best they could whether it was sports, education or how they treated the people around them. He was very proud of his kids.In Wilson’s words, “Grandchildren are great!” He and Pat made many trips to hockey arenas, curling rinks, ball diamonds, 4-H events and numerous other activities throughout Manitoba and into Saskatchewan. There was no distance to great to travel to enjoy his grandchildren.Wilson was a quiet man known to have a quick wit and a dry sense of humor. He was well respected by his family and friends. Wilson didn’t say much but when he did it was worth listening to.Wilson leaves to mourn his loving wife of 47 years, Pat, their four children: Karen (Dean) Matthew, Graeme & Vaughn Wilgosh; Donald (Christa) Daisy, Lauren & Justin McKee; Nancy (Bob) Jonathan, Ryan & Olivia; and Brent (Michelle) McKee; his brother Allan (Evelyn) McKee; brothers-in-law: Orville Hume, Clayton Macdonald, Gordon (Edna) Macdonald; sisters-in-law: Leola Macdonald, Kay (Ray) Glen, Dorothy (Don) Clark; as well as many nieces and nephews. Wilson was predeceased by his parents Jack and Susan; brothers: Robert (and wife Margaret), Mervin; sisters: Verla (and husband John Kaston), Loretta Hume; brothers-in-law: Leonard Macdonald, Jack Macdonald; and nieces: Marilyn Scott, Judy Judd. Funeral services were held July 15, 2010 in the Neepawa United Church with Rev. Mark Saterley officiating. White’s Funeral Home was in care of arrangements. If people so desire, donations may be made to Cancer Care Manitoba.

As published in Brandon Sun on Aug 14, 2010