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William MCKEE Obituary

MCKEE, William Stanley (Bill) June 22, 1933 - January 12, 2016 . Bill passed peacefully after a courageous four year struggle with cancer. Bill had a great love for life and held much love and admiration for his family, friends, students and business associates. He will be deeply missed by his wife of 60 years, Mavis, his children Stan and Sandra, his grandsons Paul and Adam Zaruba. A celebration of his life will be held on February 19th at 2pm at the Capilano Rugby Club, Klahanie Park, North Vancouver.

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Published by North Shore News from Jan. 20 to Jan. 22, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for William MCKEE

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21 Entries

Sherry Kennedy (Robertson)

October 25, 2020

45 years since I graduated and I’ve never forgotten Mr. McKee. He was the only reason I took (and passed) Geography
So sad to read of his passing already more than four years ago. I lost my own Dad that same year.
May God bless his family.

Bill (top centre) with his Shrine Bowl cronies 2014 Nov. 14

Martin Smith

February 19, 2016

Bill was probably my favourite teacher ever - a paragon of erudition, wisdom and love of learning for its own sake.

But he was also a regular North Van guy - down to earth, unpretentious, master of many trades - fullback, teacher, coach, investor, jewelry maven.

Yet his most impressive qualities (to me, anyway) was his unquenchable humanity, decency and kindness.

He valued his relationships - with Mavis, his kids, his grandkids, his students, his fortunate friends - above all us, and he cherished and burnished those relationships every day.

We were lucky to know and learn from him.

My best to all of you,

Martin

Loreen J Wilson

February 19, 2016

It is with heavy heart I write this to the Family today. Bill, Mavis and I all grew up together at Britannia Beach. We all went to school together and knew the families.They where wonderful years .Not like today where no one know folks. God bless you Bill you have gone through so much. My very best to the Family and you Mavis it hasn't been easy. Love xoxxo Loreen Wilson.

Sandra Zaruba

February 6, 2016

Thank you all for your wonderful, heartfelt comments about my Dad. My Dad was indeed a very special man. He always made me believe in myself and had me laughing most of the time. He always focused on the positive aspects of life and enjoyed each and every day. My Dad and my Mom also had so many wonderful friends that I enjoyed so much over the years. I was very lucky to have him as a father and my two sons Paul and Adam were very lucky to have him as a Grandfather.

Rita Brennan

February 5, 2016

I have known & enjoyed Bill since arriving at NVHS in Grade 9. I have always admired his brilliant mind & many talents. You could always count on Bill to make you feel better about yourself. Thank you Bill, Lovely Rita

Mavis McKee

February 5, 2016

I sincerely thank everyone for your kind words about my husband Bill McKee. Yes, I definitely knew what a "beautiful" man he was. An angry word never passed between us. In fact, we met when we were 3 months old!

ndizeye misingi

February 4, 2016

all my condolences to william God receive your soul in peace

Gail Donohue (Harford)

January 25, 2016

My sincere condolences to Bill's family. He was an inspirational and an amazing teacher -- a wonderful man!

Michael Miller

January 22, 2016

A wonderful teacher, and an enthusiastic kind patient man. He left his mark on a great number of students. I am a history buff to this day.

Herb Evers

January 22, 2016

Bill Mckee was a remarkable person and his legacy will be the profound impact he made on the lives of so many people, especially those of us who were fortunate enough to have him as a teacher. Whether as a teacher, coach, mentor or friend, Bill provided me with many of the core values I have tried to live my life by and i know many others can say the same thing. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mavis and the family, Bill will never be forgotten.

January 21, 2016

My condolences to Bill's family. I'm sure they know what an amazing teacher he was and how he inspired so many of us.
Jennifer Delany (Williams)

Betty-Joan Traverse (Corbett)

January 21, 2016

It is with immense sadness that I learned of the passing of my very favourite high-school teacher, Mr. McKee. I remember him stopping me in the hall one day and telling me that I was definitely capable of producing better work than the mediocre History 12 essay I had submitted. For some strange reason, he believed in me, and the encouragement and mentoring he gave me during that pivotal year made a huge difference in my life, although he probably never knew that. I thank him, belatedly, for all he did for me. I also treasure a beautiful gold bracelet my parents gave me that was hand-carved by Mr. McKee, who was a man of many interests and talents.
To Mrs. McKee, also a great teacher of whom I have very fond memories, and to your children and grand-children, I extend my most sincere condolences. He was a truly wonderful man, and an extraordinary teacher.

Pam (and Doug) Wilkinson Robertson

January 21, 2016

Mr. McKee was my favourite teacher. He was a man who made an insecure teenager feel cared for and of real worth. He loved what he taught, which was inspirational. Our sympathy to the family, who have lost a very dear man.

Claire Heath

January 21, 2016

A remarkable teacher who was passionate about teaching and history. I will always remember his warmth and kindness. Sincere condolences to the McKee family.

Ken McDonald

January 21, 2016

Coach Mckee - Grade 10 football - got me moving. Always had a smile and encouragement, He won our respect with that. Thanks

January 21, 2016

Mr. McKee stood out among teachers; he taught with kindness and respect. My condolences to his family. Sidney Harper (Japan)

January 21, 2016

Mr. McKee was my homeroom teacher at Delbrook in the early 70's. He treated all his students with kindness and respect, and sent us off on our day with a positive attitude and a his magnetic smile. My thoughts are with the family during this sad time. Leyla Szabo-Kustan

Gayle Burggraaf

January 21, 2016

Although I was not one of his fortunate students at Delbrook 1972/73, I know that he was well respected and a favourite among the students and staff. My thoughts and kindest regards to his family.
Gayle Burggraaf (nee Rennie)

Jane Fairbairn

January 21, 2016

Mr. McKee is one of my favourite teachers. He brought history to life, challenged us and possessed insight and patience with a room full of teenagers. Thanks for all of it, Mr. McKee.

January 21, 2016

Bill was one of my teachers when I attended Delbrook in 1972/73. I always remember the caption under his photo in our high school annual, "When I was your age, I spent Friday nights reading National Geographic" That was Bill's humour. Great fellow and will be missed. My thoughts go to the family. Al D.

Kenneth Thornicroft

January 21, 2016

Truly a great teacher and a kind and graceful man; he inspired me more than I am sure he ever knew...

Showing 1 - 21 of 21 results

Memorial Events
for William MCKEE

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