WILLIAM EDWARD TRAIL

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WILLIAM EDWARD TRAIL McKAY "CHALOOSE" "SIGI" Peacefully on Friday, May 25, 2001 at his residence in Grand Rapids, with his family at his side, William Edward Trail McKay passed away at the age of 84 years. William was born on March 1, 1917 at Grand Rapids, where he spent his entire life. He was a fisherman, trapper and hunter who enjoyed camping and being outdoors. William was employed with Parks Canada for a number of years maintaining campgrounds. He also worked for Manitoba Hydro during the construction of the Grand Rapids Generating Station. He established many lasting friendships. In his earlier years he transported mail and passengers by canoe and dog team to the Mafeking Train Station. He enjoyed family feasts and gatherings and was especially fond of his desserts. He loved to taxi people around and enjoyed playing bingo. He cherished the visits from his grandchildren and great-grandchildren whom he loved dearly. He always considered the needs of others before his own. He enjoyed helping others and appreciated all that was done for him. He continued to remain active up to his last days, and could be found always fixing things around the house and yard. He especially loved to maintain his car which was his pride and joy, and when his illness prevented him from driving, he still enjoyed sitting in his car and trying to fix it. He had a great sense of humour and always enjoyed a good laugh. Even to the last days he did not allow his pain and suffering to show. He was a very active member of St. James Anglican Church for years faithfully ringing the church bell. He would often attend church with wife Agnes who is a member of St. Alexander Catholic Church. He loved his Cree hymns and regularly read his Cree prayer book. He was a very devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He loved his wife Agnes very much and even up to his last days was always concerned about her health and happiness. They were always inseparable and he will be sadly missed. He leaves to cherish his beautiful memory his wife Agnes, children; Bill, Linda (Roxy) Ballantyne, Marie Fleury (Teruo), Charles (Florine) Campbell, Albert (Rubina) Campbell, sisters; Evelyn (Eigill) Johnson, Ellen (John) Einarson, Rubina Einarson and brother-in-law John J. Einarson, 17 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was predeceased by his daughter Victoria Cook, son-in-law Jonas Cook, grandson Douglas Cook, brothers; Herb, Johnny, Thomas, Morris and Norman, sisters; Gladys, Nora, Connie, Gertrude and Jane. Wake services will be held on Monday, May 28 and Tuesday, May 29 at the Grand Rapids Roman Catholic Hall with a communion service on Tuesday May 29 at 7:00 p.m. Funeral service will be held on Wednesday May 30, 2001 at 2:00 p.m. at the St. James Anglican Church, Grand Rapids, Manitoba with Rev. Douglas Highway and Pastor Fred Neff officiating. Interment to follow at the St. James Anglican Cemetery. Honorary pallbearers will be Arthur Ballantyne, Fred Neff, Herb Cook, Andy Johnson, Ted and Dustin Murdock, Stan Guimont, and Mario, Lexi, Draven, Bernie, Shelby, Cole, Reg and Thomas. Active Pallbearers will be his grandsons and great-grandsons; Gabe (Skipper) Cook, Pat Cook, Vince Campbell, Derek Campbell, Gabe Fleury, Ryan Fontaine and Matthew Popovits. The family would like to thank Rev. Douglas Highway, Lay Reader Murray Cook and Pastor Fred Neff for their spiritual support and guidance given to William at his home. Thank you to all the relatives and friends for their support during Williams illness, to the Grand Rapids First Nation, the Grand Rapids Nursing Station, special friend Dr. Gall, especially grand-daughter and nurse Angela Hoy for caring for him and arranging for Williams transfers back home to Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids Ambulance Attendants, nurses and doctors of the Palliative Care unit at the St. Boniface Hospital, especially Dr. Daenick for encouragement and support for Williams return home, and to Kate Guimont, Home Care worker for her patience and the great care she gave to William. If friends so desire, memorial donations may be made in Williams memory to the Canadian Cancer Society Manitoba Division, 193 Sherbrook Street, Winnipeg. ABORIGINAL FUNERAL CHAPEL 724 SELKIRK AVE. 586-7700

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 29, 2001