Obituary of GERALD LAWRENCE McKAY

GERALD LAWRENCE MCKAY
February 25, 1955 – April 13, 2025

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Gerald (aka “Champ”) on April 13, 2025, at Seven Oaks Hospital. Born in Grand Rapids, Manitoba on February 25, 1955, Gerald lived his 70 years on this earth to the fullest. And Champ always did it his way!

Gerald, the favourite uncle of many, many nieces and nephews, leaves behind his sisters Viola McKay, Marlene (Allan) Swan, Kim McKay “Sissy”, Glenda Chartier and Lorraine Muskego as well as his brothers Darcy McKay (Angela) and George McKay.

Gerald was predeceased by his parents Morris and Annie McKay, sisters Toots and Gladys, grannie Angelique Chartier and nephews baby Shab, Jordan Belcourt, and Craig Swan.

Growing up in Grand Rapids during the challenging times while Manitoba’s first northern dam was being built, at the age of 14, Gerald moved to Cranberry Portage to further his education. A short time working underground in the mines of Thompson, convinced Gerald to enroll at Red River Community College where he earned a certificate in Business Administration.

Having never forgotten where he came from, Gerald returned to Grand Rapids where he chose to continue the family tradition, working as a commercial fisherman and an active member of the Grand Rapids Fishermen’s Co-op. A natural with numbers, Gerald was the “go-to” guy for many in the community who needed a hand filling out their income tax forms. He also supervised many community work crews and was most proud of his contribution toward the development of the Pelican Landing gas bar and restaurant on Highway 6.

A firm believer in giving back to the community, Gerald served for a number of years on both Grand Rapids’ Town Council as well as Misipawistik Cree Nation’s Band Council. Among other things he served as part of the community’s delegation that successfully negotiated a reconciliation agreement with Manitoba Hydro in recognition, in part, for the damage that was inflicted on the community as a result of its dam.

Gerald was a storyteller. A good one at that! And, while later in life his short-term memory virtually disappeared, he never lost his brilliant sense of humour. A long time Winnipeg Jets’ fan and a regular reader of the Winnipeg Free Press, nothing would make Gerald happier than to see (from high above – wherever he may be) a front-page story this June announcing our Jets as the winners of the Stanley Cup!

The McKay family would like to acknowledge the loving care that Gladys gave to Gerald prior to her death; quality care that was carried on by her son Jordan and daughter Deziree McKay Kutzner, both of whom honoured her commitment by taking care of Gerald during his early days with dementia. The family would also like to extend a big thank you to the staff at Chez Nous (Actionmarguerite) for the quality care they provided to Gerald over the past two years.

A memorial service will be held in Winnipeg at Cropo Funeral Home, 1442 Main Street, on Monday, April 21, 2025, beginning at 3:00 p.m. (with prayers at 4:00 p.m.). A Wake Service will be held on April 22 in the Roman Catholic Hall in Grand Rapids beginning at 7:00 p.m. with the Funeral Service the following day beginning at 1:00 p.m.

Pallbearers: Darcy McKay, Morgan Feldvari-Sinclair, Blaine Constant, and Gordie Scott.

Honourary Pallbearers: Cathy and Richard Cook, Harry and Elvira Finnigan, Yvonne Ballantyne, Laura Clark, Edgar Preston McKay, Blaine Klippenstein, Ron Ballantyne, and Edwin Ballantyne.