THOMAS HENRY MCKEE

THOMAS HENRY MCKEE April 2, 1936 - November 5, 2012 After a lengthy illness, Tom slipped away peacefully, surrounded by family, at Southlake Regional Hospital in Newmarket. Tom was a charismatic man, loving husband to Joan (nee Greenwood), devoted father (with their mother, Eleanor) to Ken (Anne), Debbie Russell (Gord), Kerry, Colleen MACRae (Rob), Brad (Lesli) and Brian. The Grand Patriarch of the MCKee family, Tom was abundantly proud of his sixteen grandchildren. He was a legendary radio and television broadcaster with CBC, CTV, ABC, TSN and TV Labatt. Highlights of his illustrious career include covering numerous sporting events such as CFL Football, several Olympic, Commonwealth and Pan Am Games. He was also the first-ever face and voice on the inaugural telecast, when the Toronto Blue Jays took to the field on April 7, 1977. He moved behind the camera in the role of Producer of Blue Jays Baseball during the team's heyday, for more than a decade. Tom often reflected that he loved his profession so much, he would have worked for free. The family would like to express its sincere appreciation to the staff at Southlake Regional Hospital and Markham Stouffville Hospital Rehabilitation Centre for their care and compassion. Visitation will be held on Thursday, November 8th, from 2:00 - 4:00 and 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. at Chapel Ridge Funeral Home, 8911 Woodbine Ave., Markham, Ontario L3R 5G1. Funeral Service will take place Friday, November 9th at 2:00 p.m. at Chapel Ridge Funeral Home, with a private interment to follow. Donations can be made to Parkinson Society Canada and the Canadian Diabetes Association. Online condolences may be made at www.chapelridgefh.com