September 28, 1948 – February 17, 2022
On Thursday, Feb 17, the night of the full snow moon, Fred left us for the spirit world while we eased him along his journey with comforting words of our great love for him, music he loved, stories he cherished and reassurance that we all (family and friends) loved him dearly.
Fred’s life was so much more than this difficult end. He had a gentle and kind spirit that lived to tell stories of past and recent adventures, hiked trails, wilderness experiences and life in the deep bush of NW Ontario.
Fred has always been a willing helper to everyone. It didn’t matter who you were or how long he’d known you or what the weather or circumstances, he was always the first to step up and lend a kind hand. He lived for his family, his friends, his pets and all who surrounded him in love.
His favourite times were simple, coffee time on the deck, a crowded birthday or kitchen party (especially with music). He loved a backyard get together complete with a fire to show off and enjoy the yard, the trees we’ve planted and the season’s plants and flowers. He always shared stories about the planning, building and creating the beauty of our little sanctuary back there. He loved that we had rhubarb imported from Atikokan and the ‘unusually tall’ ferns in the yard. Simple but profound pleasures.
He was so very proud of his grandson’s Riley (14), William (11) and Oliver (8) and loved them to his core. He lived to watch them play hockey on the weekends or have them come ‘home’ for a get together in the yard. His good nature, kindness, humour and love for them made a difference in their lives.
Kathy, Jamey, Gina and Megan, Jacquie, Gina Sr. Ted, Bernice, Mary, Edward and all their children, grandchildren and loving partners who make up our ‘village’ are stronger as a family for his loving kindness, gentle presence and deep love and know that he will be close with every backyard fire, bright starry sky, and clear night moon.
Goodbye for now, dear one. We return you to the arms of the angels with a piece of our hearts to live in spirit.
Kathy, Jamey, Gina and Megan would like to send a very heartfelt thanks and blessing to the wonderful, dedicated staff of MICU at Health Sciences Centre who go above and beyond everyday. You are the silent earth angels and we love and appreciate all you do.
As well, we’d like everyone to know that we are beyond grateful for everyone in our lives who have reached out with heartwarming messages, beautiful flowers to lift our spirits, great dishes of delicious food to nourish us and an abundance of love to help us through. We all agree that we are so blessed to know ‘only the greatest people’. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
A celebration of Fred’s life will take place towards the end of March, and once confirmed, details will be added to Fred’s Memorial page here. Fred loved walking the trails at Assiniboine Forest everyday to visit the wildlife and take in the natural world. He met many conservationists along the way, and he would be honoured for any donations made to: Assiniboine Park Conservancy – Wildlife Conservation:
https://www.assiniboinepark.ca/support/donate/wildlife-conservation-web
Fred’s family invites you to his Celebration of Life on April 9th, from 1-4pm at the St. Norbert Arts Centre. For information and to RSVP, please visit:
11 thoughts on “Frederick J. McKay”
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Fred. We hope the fond memories and the strength of your family help heal some of the pain. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Love. Peter, Janette and family.
Dear Kathy and family, what a beautiful obituary, Fred was a very special spirit-“ keep calm and carry on helping others “was his superpower. I’m glad the grandsons were old enough to remember their loving grandfather. Love you- Baba J.
My deepest condolences to all of Fred’s family. He was a kind man and his beautiful spirit is reflected in each of you. May your many many wonderful memories bring you peace.
Darlene
So sorry to hear of Fred’s passing. He was a great older cousin who I looked up to growing up in Atikokan! Was always a kind, soft spoken soul I have great memories of. Your beautiful obituary speaks volumes of the kind of person he was. Cherish all your great memories!! Enjoy the walleye fishing and baseball on the other side Fred!! You will be missed!
Love Richard & Holly Broomfield and family
Thinking of the whole McKay family and wishing you all time together to share in memories, love, closeness, and support for one another as you honour Fred’s life. He was such a superhuman man with genuine compassion for others. Those who managed to share in his time were truly blessed. He will be missed. Love to you all! xoxo Cat
My sincere condolences on Fred’s passing…..he is with the angels now and will be forever remembered.
Time on the island was precious and I’m so glad to have a coffee with Jacquie and him in 2020. God Bless you all as your grieve and celebrate his life.
HeatherJoy
Sorry for your loss ❤️
We are so sorry for your loss, Cathy and family. Fred was such a gentle, kind man. We enjoyed his visits up at Turtle Lake and will miss seeing him!
Sorry to hear of your loss, I worked with Fred since 1983 till his retirement and there isn’t a more carring preson that you can meet.
I enjoyed the coffee meetings we had and he will always be in my heart.
Since Freddy left us hardly a day goes by that I don’t think about a ‘coming of age’ story I experienced with him and his brother Stu. Playing snooker at O’Kroneg’s pool hall, driving the roads at Flanders hunting partridge, fishing off the rocks at Raft Lake, fishing Volcano Bay with Ray and Dwayne. Or just hanging out together talking about life. I deeply miss my dear old friend. Kathy and family, you will always be in Becky’s and my heart. As will Fred….Lenny
I am so very sorry to hear of Fred’s passing. So many memories of a kind gentle soul with an amazing smile My deep and sincere sympathy to you Kathy and family I will not be home for the celebration of life but will certainly be thinking of you as you celebrate all that Fred brought to the lives of his family and friends
Sharon McNeice