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William MCKAY Obituary
December 20, 1934 - September 8, 2015
With the love and comfort of his sweetheart Catherine and dear friend Maggie at his side, Bill passed away peacefully and gracefully at the Chinook Care Centre Hospice in Calgary. He will be sadly missed by those who knew him and were inspired by his larger than life personality, and entrepreneurial spirit. Bill is survived by his loving partner Catherine Milaire. Bill and Catherine shared a Celebration of Friendship, Everlasting Love and Commitment "Barefoot on the Beach" in Carmel California in 2005 and shared 22 adventurous years together. He is also survived by his dear Aunt May Henderson of Calgary and his numerous relations in Scotland, his dearest and long-time friend Richard Raibmon of Vancouver, his soul sister Maggie Hanna of Calgary, and countless close friends and colleagues all over the world. Bill was preceded in death by his mother and father Emily and Bill McKay Sr. his daughter Marti McKay and his spiritual leader and mentor Jamie Weinstein. Catherine would like to give her heartfelt thanks to his Palliative Care Team and the Angels at Chinook Care Centre Hospice who coordinated his treatment and loving care during his final weeks. A good old fashioned "Scottish Wake" will be held at the Rio Bar & Grill at 800 6th Ave SW Calgary, on September 19, 2015 from 1p.m. to 4p.m. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Bill's life. If desired, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bill's and his daughter Marti's memory to Strathcona Tweedsmuir School in Okotoks, Alberta to the benefit of the Marti McKay Artist in Residence Program. In living memory of Bill McKay, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
7 Entries
Bob Mueller
May 12, 2025
Hello Catherine,
It's been almost 10 years since Bill passed. I found out today. He made a huge impression on me, when we did some business back in 1998-99. My wife, Susan, and I were honored and blessed when you and Bill attended our wedding in 1999. Bill is fondly remembered, and I wish you well.
Bob Mueller
September 21, 2015
Dear Catherine..we were so saddened by Bill's death and can only say we will always have fond memories of our past experience with him. May you find comfort in all your memories. Sincerely , Lydia Bellan and Ken Dckson
Jody Odney/Sanderson
September 17, 2015
Dear Catherine
I was so sorry to hear of Bill's passing. I used to babysit exclusively for Marti, when the family lived on 10th Ave. NW. We were all close...Bill was my Dad McKay. I went on several adventures with the family...Vancouver, Las Vegas...and Marri and I even got to see Disneyland. Dad McKay celebrated when I got my Gold Cord in Guides, right up to my wedding...when Dad McKay made sure there was champagne in our room at Wapta Lodge. Watching Stampeder games at the old Calgary Inn, family dinners at Hy's and barbecues at home. I have many wonderful memories...in fact, I talked to Bill in Vancouver in February...we thought we might be able to get a project going in Calgary. But, alas, it did not happen. I have full and wonderful families of my adopted dad...and I was happy to read that you and he had found such happiness. You must be some kind of gal. I know what it is to lose a spouse, and I am sure you are already experiencing the crazy surreal experience. I wish you all the best. May God bless you at this time...I have to work Saturday, but my thoughts will be with you.
Donna Hooper
September 14, 2015
To the family and friends of William (Bill) McKay my sympathies to you all. While many years have passed and my own connection dissipated as things do when ones own friend passes away as happened when Marti passed away in our youth. While Marti was alive, it was true that Bill was a larger than life character and a wonderful father to Marti. Formal dinners, and other adventures were shared in my own youth. Marti's death left a mark on many of us. I count myself lucky to be able to recall many special adventures shared with Marti and her Dad "Mr. McKay" Bill. Including a sense of excitement with successful deals at his company Trojan. It warms my spirit to know that he was surrounded with love and friends in his final days. Life was not always easy, his daughter my friend has also not been forgotten.
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Catherine Milaire
September 13, 2015
For you. It is in my window so you can find your way home.
Kimberley dalton
September 13, 2015
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Friendship, Everlasting Love and Committment
Catherine Milkaire
September 12, 2015
I miss you my sweet. You are not gone. You are not forgotten
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5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5
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