November 11, 1933 – November 9,2024
Martin William (Bill) McKeigan (the Major) of Winnipeg, Manitoba, passed away peacefully on November 9,2024. Bill was the youngest of 12 children born on November 11, 1933, in Kingston, Ontario to Mary and John. Living with a large family in the depression and WW2 era, taught Bill to be resilient and hard working.
Growing up, Bill excelled in sports especially hockey, football, and baseball where he had a try out with the Boston Braves. While pro ball never materialized, Bill joined the Naval Air Branch of the Royal Canadian Navy in 1951, and then joined the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1956. This is when he met Charlotte Joan known as “Rose” aka the Alberta Rose. They were married on April 5,1958 and had 3 sons; Buddy, David, and Steven.
Bill had a long distinguished military career with postings in White Horse, Yukon, where Buddy and David were born. Next up was France where Steven was born. Other postings included Moose Jaw, Sask., Winnipeg, MB., North Bay, Ontario, Senneterre, Que., and St. Margaret’s, NB. Looking at a map these locations were not glorious, however these communities provided an amazing close-knit place to raise families, rich with sports and community activities. In 1974, Bill represented Canada at the International William Tell Competition in Florida, and his team won. Bill also won the Top Gun award. In 1977, the family was posted to just outside Boston living in historic Concord, Mass. This posting was magical and brought many family members and friends for visits to Concord, where Bill and Joan entertained with Red Sox, Bruins games, concerts and vacations to the beautiful and iconic Cape Cod. The Boston era was forever ingrained in the family forever. In 1980, the family moved to Winnipeg where the Major finished his impressive military career at Air Command headquarters.
While the Major enjoyed spending time involved with the Masons and Shriners after his wife Joan passed away in 1986, he dedicated his life to sick children and his work with the Khartum Temple became his focus.
Bill remarried Margaret in 1993, and they formed a team that lived a life of joy centered around his passion, the Khartum Temple. Bill spent time in the Patrol and was President of the Patrol in 1988. He then moved on to the Divan and then in 2006 became the Illustrious Potentate of the Khartum Temple. This was a very proud moment for Lady Margaret and his family. The Grandchildren will forever remember at the Shrine Circus, being rolled out in a lion’s cage and introduced to 15,000 people in the audience.
The schedule of the position had Bill and Margaret doing much work in support of the Shrine and sick children that brought them to Minneapolis, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, Boston, Vancouver, Montreal, and more places forging lifelong friendships all over North America. In Winnipeg his friends Wilf, Ralph whom he called “Rotten Ralph”, Fraser Woodward, and Don Thomson were a true dream team of selfless men dedicated to their work for sick children. They moved out to Langley BC where they have lived for 13 years and spent winters basking in the sunshine of Apache Junction AZ for 8 years. The community at Apache Junction provided plenty of opportunities to showcase their hospitality skills and provided endless social events with snowbirds from all over.
The Major was thrilled to be in Winnipeg for his 90th birthday spending time with his sons, their spouses, grandchildren and great grandchildren. It was a celebration for the ages.
Bill is survived by his wife Margaret (Karen, Bruce, Andrea, Grant), his son Buddy and spouse Marylynn, Granddaughters Kelly and Megan, son David and partner Debbie, Granddaughter Mary, son Steven and spouse Jennifer, Granddaughter Sandra and Grandsons Riley and Zachary. His great Grandchildren Ava, Alex, Chloe, Akilles, Liam, and Lily.
The family will do a private interment and have a celebration of life on November 29th at 1:30 PM at the Pyramid Cabaret 176 Fort Street. If desired donations in memory to Bill’s favorite charity, the Khartum Shriners Patient Transportation Fund, 420 Corydon Ave R3L 0N8
9 thoughts on “Martin William (Bill) McKeigan”
The Major was a great guy with a fantastic dry sense of humor and loved by all who knew him. He was a big help to us with his many connections when we were trying acquire our acreage just outside the city so we are forever grateful to him for that. Bills two sons are good friends of ours and I will know they will miss their Dad a great deal so Steve Dave and Buddy very sorry for your loss. 🙁
Illustrious Sir Bill was a great man and he knew what it takes to help children in need and he was devoted to the cause , he will be missed by all in Shrine .we have a saying in the Masonic Family , ( Happy to meet, Sorry to part , and Happy meet again ) we will meet up sometime.
Our deepest condolences to Margret and Steve and Dave
Rest in Peace my love. We had over 31 happy years together. I miss you every day. Love Margaret ❤️
To Margie and Family:
It was sad to hear of Bill’s passing. We send you our love and prayers as you deal with this difficult time in your life and wish you and your family peace and comfort. God speed Bill, stand easy, end of mission. We will remember him.
Dear Margaret,
Our deepest sympathy in the loss of your dearest Bill. You have been a vital part of our community, at Chartwell Green in Langley, for 13 years. We will miss Bill’s smile, his sense of humour, and his teasing. I know your family are grieving the loss of their stepfather and grandfather. Left to mourn his loss are Margaret’s children, Bruce (Corrine), Karen (Stu), Andrea and Grant. Granddaughters: Jesse, Kristen (Preet), April and Brittany (Steven) and great-granddaughter Annica.
You were a truly wonderful Grampa. Always kind, loving, and endlessly generous. There’s nothing you wouldn’t do for the ones you loved. Your playful way of poking fun was a staple to your character my whole life. From the constant singing of “all I want for Christmas is my two front teeth” until my two front teeth finally grew in, to teasing about the “graffiti” on my arms and back, just last year. Something that was especially great about you was your devoted support to the family. When my daughter was born last year, despite your decline in health, you were excited to see her and enjoyed looking at pictures. Your family was always the most important thing to you, and now we all will suffer your loss. Until we meet again Grampa. Love you. ❤️
I met the Major some 30 years ago. The first thing you came to know, was his razor sharp sense of humour. I held a great sense of respect for him as a young fellow. I had not seen him in many years, but with Facebook you could keep up with him. He was a very calm gentleman, and always had a positive word to say & positive outlook on life. He was, an advocate for charities and underprivileged kids. He didn’t just “talk the talk” He always “walked the walk” They don’t make them like the Major very often. He will be missed by the boys and all those who loved him as a husband, Father & Grandfather. Not to mention, friends and cohorts.
My sincere condolences to the family
My deepest sympathies for your entire family and those in the Major’s inner circle, My brother Brian Terin and Bill both had a great love for the children and families in need of the Shriners love and compassion which they gave tirelessly and passionately. Bill say hi to Brian for the Terin family. I am sure he will be happy to see you and have a cold one waiting for you.
On behalf of the Braithwaite Family we share heartfelt condolences and sadness to the entire McKeigan family, friends and relatives in the passing of wonderful Uncle Bill. We reflect the best parts of our parents were in the loving way they raised us. Take comfort in your happy memories.