Orville McKee

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Orville Harvey Douglas McKee, 90 years of Saskatoon, announces his passing on Thursday, December 19, 2024, at City Hospital. Orville was born in Star City, Sask. on October 28th, 1934, the fifth child out of 8, to Henry and Johannah (nee Olson) McKee. Orville lived in "God's Country" as he referred to northeast Saskatchewan, until his family moved into Saskatoon during the Second World War. He attended Buena Vista elementary school until after the war when his family moved back to northeast Saskatchewan residing near Battle Heights. He moved back to Saskatoon as a young man, drove stock cars for a past time with his oldest brother Murray, and worked with the City of Saskatoon before adventuring into a business of his own. In the- early 1960's, Dad and his brother lvan purchased Eastern Transport, a trucking company that serviced northeastern Saskatchewan mostly. After that adventure he went back to work for the City of Saskatoon as a leased gravel truck owner where he eventually retired.

Dad met his future bride, Jeannette (nee Robert) at St. Mary's dance hall in Saskatoon and found out they lived very close to each other so Dad would pick her up to attend the Saturday night dances and their union of 66+ years began. Dad and Mom were blessed with four children, two boys and two girls, the last two being fraternal twins. Mom and Dad provided a wonderful home environment as Dad always coached our sporting teams when able with Mom being our number 1 supporter. As their children grew more independent Mom and Dad joined the Army, Navy and Airforce Club where they would be seen most Friday and Saturday afternoons and evenings dancing and socializing with friends and family doing the things that brought them together when they were younger. These were some of their happiest times. Dad was second to none as husband, son-in-law, father, father-in-law, grandpa, uncle, brother-in-law and friend! He was the most generous man with his time and help, never expecting anything in return. Pops was a simple, welcoming, uncomplicated man with unconditional love for his family and friends. Our family home always had a fresh pot of coffee on for the many visitors that dropped by on a daily basis.

Orville will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his wife of 66 years, Jeannette McKee, of Saskatoon; and their 4 children, David (Dawn), Judy (Dale), Dennis (Vivian) and Denise (Rob). Also survived by 11 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren; brothers, Alvin and Patrick McKee; sister, Vera Speers; brothers-in-laws, Gerry Caudle and Leon Robert; sisters-in-law, Lisa Krushelinski, Rita Crow, Yvonne Caudle, Susan McKee, Iris McKee and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, Henry and Johannah; brothers, Murray and Ivan; sisters, Velma and Ruby; Parent-in-laws, Richard and Wilda Robert; brothers-in-law, Roland, Aurele and Louis Robert, Harold Crow, Murray Speers, Wally Krushelinski and Allen Stewart, sister-in-laws Jeanne Mclean, Alaine Robert, Joyce Robert, Doreen Robert, Mina Robert, Muriel McKee and Pamelia McKee.

Donations may be made to the heart and stroke foundation.

A Celebration of Orville's life will occur at a later date for family and close friends.