STANLEY WESLEY

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

STANLEY WESLEY McKAY December 13, 1911- May 24, 2003 On Saturday, May 24, 2003, at Concordia Hospital with his family present, at the age of 91, Stanley McKay peacefully passed away. He is respectfully remembered by his loving wife Verna; and children, Patricia, Emily (Scott), Stanley (Dorothy) and Ada, Kirk, Seth, Heather and Jamie; 17 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren. Stanley was predeceased by his first wife Dorothy; daughter Doreen; and son Kevin. Stanley was born in Fisher River. He spent his early years providing for his family as a fisherman, trapper and hunter. He managed the local general store for several years before moving to Winnipeg in 1959. There he was employed at Scott-Bathgate and volunteered extensively at the Indian and Metis Friendship Centre. In 1963 Stanley was invited to manage the United Church Indian and Metis Reception Lodge, and in 1968 he became the United Church worker with Indian People. During this time he became the first "Head Man" of the Winnipeg Indian Council. He spent many years doing cross-cultural education, working with students in schools and with the church community. Other contributions to the community included work in films, on stage, radio and media productions. Stanley officially retired in 1978 but continued his involvement as a Community Elder, working in Cree language development, community planning and church activities. Recognition for his community involvement includes an Honorary Doctorate of Sacred Letters from the University of Winnipeg and an outstanding Achievement and Service Award in the Aboriginal Community from the Indian and Metis Friendship Centre. In 1998 he was inducted to the Aboriginal Wall of Honour at the Indian and Metis Friendship Centre in Winnipeg. A service for the celebration of Stanleys life will be held at Immanuel United Church, 755 Golspie, on Tuesday, May 27 at 7:00 p.m. A wake will be held at the United Church in Fisher River on Wednesday May 28 at 7:00 p.m. Funeral service will be in the United Church at Fisher River on Thursday, May 29 at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Dorothy McKay Memorial Fund, in care of Dr. Jessie Saulteaux Resource Centre, P.O. Box 210, Beausejour, MB R0E 0C0, or the Mission and Service Fund of the United Church of Canada, in care of Immanuel United Church, 755 Golspie, Winnipeg, MB R2K 2B4. THOMSON Funeral Chapels - 669 Broadway - 783-7211

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 28, 2003