Gordon McKay

Gordon Ralph McKay
March 15, 1941 - August 3, 2025

Gordon was born in Saskatoon on March 15, 1941, to Stanley and Hilda McKay.

He attended Victoria School through Grade 8, then Nutana Collegiate from Grades 9-12. Gordon went on to study at the University of Saskatchewan and the University of British Columbia, earning both a BA and a BEd. During his school years, he played football for Nutana as well as for the U of S Huskies.

In 1966, Gordon married Patricia (Caspell) McKay. They moved to Conquest, Saskatchewan, where they both taught for one year while Gordon also farmed in Anerley. Together they raised two children, Carl and Stephanie. In 1967, the family relocated to Saskatoon, though Gordon continued farming in Anerley until 1981. That same year, after being diagnosed with MS, he began a new chapter by opening McKay Tech Inc. in Saskatoon, which grew into a highly successful business and expanded to Edmonton and Calgary. Education remained a lifelong priority for him.

Gordon was a loving, wise, gentle, kind, and thoughtful person. His strength and resilience were remarkable. He was a wonderful father amd husband who loved his family dearly. He was truly a man of many talents - farmer, teacher, substitute teacher, upholsterer, inventor, realtor, and business owner - and perhaps most importantly, a man with a passion for fixing just about anything, big or small.

He enjoyed fishing with friends and family at Besnard Lake, where he was affectionately known as "Red." He also loved golfing, curling, skiing, and coaching his son Carl's junior hockey team. He enjoyed traveling with his family and spent time in Sweden, Thailand, Hawaii, and Italy.

Gordon was active in the community as a member of the Elks, the Saskatoon Kinsmen Club, the Parent Association, and Augustana Lutheran Church.

He was predeceased by his parents; his brother, Stuart McKay (Oda); and three sisters, Enid (Ed) Smith, Greta (Doug) Stark, and Fay (Bob) Jones. He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Patricia; his son Carl (Amy) and their beloved dogs Lucky and Papi of Los Angeles; his devoted daughter Stephanie and grandchildren Carter and Halle of Calgary; and numerous nephews, nieces, and friends.

Dad had an amazing sense of humor - always ready to joke, and equally ready to give back some clever jesting of his own. His ability to pause before reacting, and to speak with calm, bold, and caring words, was a gift. His mind was sharp right up until his passing, and we were blessed to share his final days with him.

He loved to drive. When friends and family flew to vacations, we usually drove - every mile created memories and lessons. Mom and Dad filled those trips with history, roadside stops, and games that strengthened our minds. Sure, you could get to Los Angeles in four hours by plane, but it took three days by car - and along the way, we saw so much more. The passages, the divides, the coasts, the forests, and the small-town cafés all became part of our family story.

Life was an adventure, and Dad was always up for it. Even as MS progressed, his scooter helped him keep exploring. He never gave up. He was Dad, Grandpa, Pops, Red, Gord, Gordie, pal, buddy, friend, chum, uncle and Father.

Dad, your struggle is over. We will miss your love, your sound advice, and your presence in our daily lives.

⸻

It's Time to Rest

Dad, it's time to rest
No worries - your mind is free,
To think of all you've accomplished,
And life with your family.
Like watching the game and discussing it too,
Or watching the National News,
Like talking of future plans,
Making a list of things to do.
What wonderful values you taught us -
Honesty, hard work, and respect -
Things you didn't just speak of,
But lived by with great effect.
As we grow, and our families too,
Confront our daily tasks,
The thing we'll always draw upon
Is thinking about our past.
If there is one greater contribution
Than living an honest life,
It's passing it on to someone else
To face their daily strife.
Dad, it's time to rest,
And rest assured your family
Is right beside you, loving you -
For all eternity.

In lieu of flowers, may we celebrate Gordon's life by paying it forward through acts of compassion and kindness.

Spreading of ashes and interment will follow in the summer of 2026.