Ronald McKAY

MCKAY, Ronald Arthur (Ron) Ron McKay, aged 71, left us unexpectedly due to cancer on January 10, 2018 at the Ottawa Hospital in the arms of his beloved life partner Jennifer Kelso, and his son Patrick McKay and daughter Christine McKay-Peever. Predeceased by father Harvey, mother Alice, sister Shirley (Tom) and brother Harvey (Marg). Ron leaves behind cherished grandsons, Jack, Sam, Ross and Cole, daughter-in-law Shelley and son-in-law Richard, along with an entire Kelso family who loved him dearly. His extended McKay family including former spouse Sharon are also grieving. Raised in Scarborough, as a youth Ron spent time working in his father-figure Tom's lumberyard business, delivering building materials and helping build cottages. At 18 he followed his dream and joined the air force, but midway through his training at Royal Roads, Ron contracted a life-threatening illness that prematurely ended his military career. Following honourable discharge, Ron attended Ryerson University and pursued a career in information technology, working with firms in Canada and the US including Black & Decker, Atomic Energy, Leigh Instruments, HST Consulting, and others. Later in his career Ron provided IT consulting services to many government departments and the oil industry, despite the challenges of a significant hearing loss that worsened over his lifetime. In 2014 Ron came to terms with an alcohol dependency, and found sobriety with the help of AA and other agencies, particularly Rideauwood. He became an integral member of the Barrhaven AA group, found strength and meaning in daily reflection, and worked to help others who shared his struggle. Ron will be greatly missed by family, friends and professional associates who recall his outstanding kindness, generosity and intelligence. Ron's trademark sense of humour brightened the lives of all around him, and he always tried to view life through a positive lens, with a little ditty of a song on his lips. Whether cheering on his grandsons on the hockey rink or stage, cuddling the younger ones, putting worms on hooks, or patiently assisting the non-techies among us at the computer, he gladly shared his time and skill. Ron always found peace at his cottage on Skootamatta Lake in the Addington Highlands - an area he had visited since childhood. He loved old movies, was an avid reader, formidable Scrabble champion, and a fabulous cook. A loyal friend, he could be counted on to keep a secret, and had room in his big heart for all of us. In keeping with his wishes, Ron's remains have been donated to the University of Ottawa medical school. Friends and family are invited to gather for memories, song, reflection and laughter on Saturday, January 27 at First United Church, 347 Richmond Road in Ottawa. We'll be greeting friends after 1:00, Celebration of Life at 2:00, followed by a reception in the church hall. Permits for extended side-street parking will be available. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Ron's memory to Rideauwood Addiction and Family Services, the Canadian Cancer Society or a charity of your choosing.