HUGH JAMES MCKAY

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HUGH JAMES MCKAY Hugh McKay, beloved father of Ian, Jane, and Allan, died peacefully with his children by his side, at his home in the Bayside Personal Care Home in Killarney MB, on December 9, 2000. Hugh will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by his children, Ian McKay, his wife Marlene, Ians sons Corbin (Natasha) and Bryce, and Marlenes son Jimmie; Jane Mckay-Nesbitt, her husband John Nesbitt, and their children Johanna and Joshua; and Allan McKay, his wife Marion, and their son Andrew. He will also be missed by sisters Claire (Peter) Watson, Beatrice (Irvin) Frederickson, and brother Grant (Della), and by sisters in law, Elsie McKay, Frieda Bothner, and Jessie Lewin and husband Norman. There are many friends and members of his extended family who also mourn his passing. Hugh was predeceased by his beloved wife, Helen Davidson McKay, in 1990 and his infant granddaughter Rebecca in 1982. Hugh was also predeceased by brothers, and sisters, Charles, Maude, Marguerite, Irene, Allan, and Vaughan. Hugh was born to John and Cecile (Lena) McKay on March 29, 1912 south of the Pembina River, near Neelin in the RM of Roblin. Hugh spent his childhood in Neelin and as young man he was a farm labourer and wood cutter. In 1939, he enlisted in the army and served overseas with the Lord Strathconas Horse. He was wounded in Italy in September 1944 and returned to Neelin in 1945. After convalescing, he became the postmaster in Neelin and bought and operated the local lumberyard. On July 28, 1948, he married the love of his life, Helen Davidson. The family moved to Cartwright in 1959 where Hugh continued with the Post Office until he retired as Post Master in 1975. He received his 55 year pin from the Legion in 1999 and his 50 year medal from the Masonic Lodge in 1997. Hugh loved his family passionately. He was a loyal and devoted husband to Helen and he was a kind and gentle father, and grandfather. He was deeply connected with all of his children and their families and he was infinitely proud of his grandchildren. Hugh was wise, a man of great character, disciplined, determined, and focussed. He was intelligent and thoughtful. He was a natural teacher, who taught by word and deed. He was a spiritual man who loved the scriptures. He was truly an Elder. Hugh loved much. He loved the outdoors and was rooted in the land, especially the Pembina Valley. He found pleasure in fishing, in picking berries and wild flowers, gardening, making campfires, watching the stars, having picnics, and feeding birds. He found great joy in all the mysteries of nature. He loved music and art, and in his retirement he took up photography. His collection of classical music was extensive and he enjoyed music to the very end of his life. He loved science and technology and maintained his Ham radio licence (VE4VC) until his death. Hugh loved to have fun. He knew how to make the ordinary happenings of life into an "event" which brought happiness and pleasure to those with whom he shared the event. Most of all, Hugh loved people. He warmed to people easily and they warmed to him, so that his circle of friends continued to increase to the very end of his life. He lived out his care for others as a dedicated volunteer and committed church member. Hugh was an interested and an interesting person. His keen intellect and his extensive reading made him a delight to be with. A self-educated man, he could discuss current events, history, politics, art, literature, music, or science, intelligently and thoughtfully. Hugh was above all else, a loving and gracious person, with frailties drowned out by kindness and care for all he encountered. A funeral to celebrate Hughs life will be held at the Cartwright United Church, on Thursday, December 14, at 2:00 p.m. He will be carried to his final resting place by Ian, Allan, and Bryce McKay, and John, Johanna, and Joshua Nesbitt. Corbin and Natasha McKay, Andrew McKay, and Jane McKay-Nesbitt are proud to be honorary pallbearers. Rev. Colin Grambo will officiate. Interment will follow at the Cartwright Cemetery. If friends desire, they may remember Hugh with gifts to the Cartwright United Church or the Red Cross. Grahams Funeral Service in Pilot Mound (825-2848) is in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 13, 2000