MCKAY
Keith McKay was born on June 29, 1950 in Red Deer, Alberta and passed away suddenly on December 13, 2010 in Stettler, Alberta. He was the eldest of six children of Jerry and Blanche McKay. He spent his early childhood living in Forestburg and on a farm near Gadsby before moving to Stettler at the start of grade three. He often discussed fond memories of his childhood and all the fun they had with cousins, aunts, uncles and grandparents when life was a simpler time. He completed his schooling in the Stettler school system, graduating from Wm.E. Hay in 1968. In 1974, he married Dawn Stewart of Stettler, where son Ryan and daughter Cristin were born in the next few years. He dedicated his life to his family and he spent countless hours driving, watching, and encouraging his children's activities. In addition to being a loyal fan, he was also a coach, manager and league commissioner; earning recognition for his volunteerism on multiple occasions. Keith spent most of his adult life in the agriculture business; early on as a long-haul truck driver delivering cattle across the continent and later running various fertilizer operations in the Stettler area. Through these experiences, he developed strong relationships with many people in town and the surrounding rural areas. Though the kids left for university and careers in other locations, some as far away as Scotland and Bermuda; Keith's connection to them never weakened. He was always "just a phone call away"; often making long road trips on the spur of the moment to lend a helping hand or fix some emergency. He loved collecting tools and completed numerous renovations and repairs. Keith enjoyed traveling throughout his life and created many wonderful memories for his family on numerous vacations. Whether a road trip to California or a Christmas cruise around the Caribbean, he liked to experience new things and to share them with family. In the past few years, he and Dawn often escaped the winter cold with trips to Mexico, Arizona, and the Caribbean. Despite visiting many exciting locales over the years, he was always happy to return to Alberta. Although not a gambler, Keith loved horse racing; whether it be watching races live or reviewing books and movies on the sport. He also enjoyed rodeo and chuck wagon racing and regular visits to the Stampede became fun for the entire family when everyone settled in Calgary. In 2008, Keith became a grandfather for the first time with the birth of Ryan's son, Nolan. A grand-daughter (Morgan) came along in 2010 and "Papa" could not have been more proud. He took absolute joy in watching his grandchildren grow and never tired of showing friends and colleagues new pictures or telling of what new things they could do. His children and grandchildren are immensely grateful to have had the opportunity to know him and to experience his love and guidance. Keith is survived by his loving family: wife Dawn McKay of Stettler; son Ryan (Grace) McKay and their children Nolan and Morgan of Calgary; daughter Cristin McKay (Kyle Marr) of Calgary; mother Blanche McKay of Stettler; 2 sisters: Betty (Bob) Schreiber of Stettler and Martha (Jack) Rairdan of Stettler; 3 brothers: Russell (Marlene) McKay of Stettler, Murray (Donna) McKay of Stettler and Ed (Maureen) McKay of Stettler; brother in law Doug (Yvonne) Stewart of Stettler; numerous nieces, nephews, other family members and many dear friends. Keith was predeceased by his father Jerry in 1993. Funeral services for the late Mr. Keith McKay were held on Thursday, December 16, 2010 at the Stettler United Church, Stettler, Alberta with Reverend Debbie Stockdale officiating. Organist Doug McKay led the congregational hymns "In The Garden" and "Be Not Afraid" and accompanied soloist Shirley McKay as she sang "You Are Mine." Memories of Dad were lovingly given by son Ryan McKay and daughter Cristin McKay prepared and presented a beautiful DVD in memory of her Dad. Mr. Keith McKay was laid to rest in the Lake View Cemetery, Stettler, Alberta with Russell McKay, Murray McKay, Ed McKay, Grant McKay, Greg Hayden and Doug Stewart serving as pallbearers. Following the interment service family and friends joined together in the C.E. Wing of Stettler United Church for a time of fellowship and a luncheon prepared and served by the Stettler U.C.W. If friends desire memorial tributes may be made in memory of Keith McKay to Stettler and District Ambulance Association, Stettler Health Services Foundation, Alberta Heart and Stroke Foundation or a charity of your choice c/o Stettler Funeral Home & Crematorium, Box 1780, Stettler, Alberta T0C 2L0 who were entrusted with the care and arrangements. Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.stettlerfuneralhome.com