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BRIAN McKAY Obituary

McKAY, BRIAN JOSEPH Actor / Director / Playwright / Mentor / Father / Friend Brian Joseph McKay passed away on February 6, 2020, just hours shy of his 70th birthday at Greenwood Court Long Term Care Facility, in Stratford, ON. Brian fought valiantly these past years against an aggressive neurological disorder known as Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP). Brian never let his ailment define him. As always, he remained the passionate, "larger than life" personality that everyone blessed to know him adored. Brian enjoyed a hugely successful career which brought him to stages across North America (including Broadway), the United Kingdom and Japan. His soaring voice was a staple on CBC television over the decades; including a production of his own one-man show "Come By The Hills", which earned him one of his two ACTRA Awards nominations for Best Variety Performance in Television; he won for the CBC's production of "Clowns". He was also twice nominated for a Dora Mavor Moore Award for his work in the theatre. He performed with and directed some of the biggest "names" in Theatre and Television in North America and was privileged to consider these people friends. Apart from performing and directing, Brian was an avid teacher. A true veteran of Canadian theatre, one of his greatest passions was nurturing young talent in the business and helping the industry grow. Brian's desire to nourish was not restricted to the theatre. His was a personality that constantly recognized and thanked people for their efforts no matter their discipline or position. Without a doubt, Brian's most cherished "role" was as a father to his son, Kehgan. For Kehgan, he was everything; a father, friend, confidant and conspirator. Brian was the eldest son of James and Veronica (Ronnie) McKay – (née: Bannon). Brian is survived by his beloved son Kehgan McKay and his partner Ashley Munro; his ex-wife and devoted friend, Sheri McKay; his younger sister, Donna and her husband, Andy Roefs; younger brother, Stephen and his partner, Kelly Barrand-Hudson, and niece, Maddison; youngest sister, Heather and her partner JoJo Rusinek; and his daughter; Megan and her husband Matt Holmen, and their children Allie Seivert and her wife, Cassie, Will, Austin, and Luke Holeman, and Jack Thalhuber. A Celebration of Life will be held for Brian on Monday, March 23, 2020 - between 1 and 4 p.m., at the Main Lobby of the Stratford Festival Theatre, Stratford, ON. Donations, in lieu of flowers, would be appreciated, preferably to the Performing Arts Lodge (Stratford).

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Published by Toronto Star on Feb. 22, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for BRIAN McKAY

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11 Entries

Single Memorial Tree

Nancy Ward

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Nancy Ward

July 24, 2024

Brian, I saw your bench dedication July 22, 2024 and know the song, so I sang it. I’ve never met you but since then have felt inspired and changed by your life. Thank you. I owe you a tree.

Lin Joyce

June 30, 2022

I just loved working with Brian like many many other people. He was a charming, adorable man.
From Lin Joyce, Stage Manager.

R j pellegrini

December 4, 2021

I was in Brigadoon with Brian and looked up to him as he was my senior. Classy, friendly and smiling with a great talent. God bless you Brian. “Come to me - bend to me” : the song brings me to tears as it did the first time I heard you sing it and am reminded of the silence backstage as we all strained to listen to it! Thank you for the memories.

Richard Desrocher

November 17, 2020

I was surprised and saddened to learn of Brian's passing earlier this year. I remember him well from our time together at St. Michael's College School (SMCS) and from being in musicals under the directorship of Father Norman Fitzpatrick and others. Brian was always charming and a true professional, clearly on his way to a career in the performing arts. We met again a few times years later, in Toronto and at Stratford, and Brian was as charming and friendly then as if we still were at SMCS together. My sincere condolences to Brian's family and friends on this sad, sad loss.

Janet McKay

April 21, 2020

I was just searching online for the song Brian McKay sung in Come By the Hills and discovered his passing. I am so sorry. What a talent and nice person. I went to the play at the Bayview Theatre when some clever marketer called me as a McKay. It was very young and it was the first play I went to. I was enraptured and have always remembered it. When I heard he was in Toronto for any other plays, I went to see them. One time, while he was taking a break during The Boyfriend, I shyly went to speak to him (I had a crush). He was kind and genuine. My sympathies to his family and friends. If he struck me this much and I hardly knew him, his passing must be a huge loss for you. God Bless.

Aaron McGill

March 15, 2020

What a joy we had building "Yesterday" with Brian. Our early script meetings were far more fun and wild than our final product... if only we could capture those precious moments in a frame more than memory. A man as rare as Brigadoon itself. What an honour to know him. "Until the next 100 years my friend". Much, much love to the family as you navigate this time.

Julie McGill

March 15, 2020

My dearest friend, words escape me. How do I express my love and gratitude to you for all of the years of friendship in a few sentences. You were a joy to be with, a formidable force, a writer, a singer who could touch the soul, an amazing artistic director, a stunning actor, a loving man, a positive support, a story teller, a living tapestry of artistic talent and a man who spoke the truth in all seasons. I love you. You will be missed! Love Julie

March 6, 2020

I was lucky enough to do a run of a few shows with Brian on PEI with "Come by the Hills". His show and working with him inspired me to keep working in theatre. He was a lovely human and so professional to work with. sending my best to his family. Joady Walton from Harbourfront Theatre days.

Catherine & Eugene Robbin - McEleney

February 26, 2020

Our condolences to family and friends of Brian. We have fond memories of performing in the St, Michaels College School musicals with Brian singing the leading roles so beautifully! His smile lit up the room and his stage presence was an inspiration to us all. I can still hear his beautiful teenage voice singing Come to Me, Bend to Me in Brigadoon.

Carol Snell

February 22, 2020

I was very sorry to hear the news about Brian. I was in the production of My Fair Lady in which Brian played Henry Higgins at St. Mike's in 1969. He was an amazing talent even at that young age. Condolences to family and friends.

Showing 1 - 11 of 11 results

Memorial Events
for BRIAN McKAY

Mar

23

Celebration of Life

1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Main Lobby of the Stratford Festival Theatre

Stratford, ON