Obituary for the late Robert Russel (Bob) McKay  November 20, 1949 – October 22, 2014

On Wednesday October 22, 2014, surrounded by his family, Robert Russel (Bob) McKay at the age of 64, peacefully went to be with his Lord after a courageous three year battle with cancer. He will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by his family:  Christine, his wife of 44 years, his daughter Melanie Bailey, son-in-law Daniel and granddaughter Eliana; his daughter Karen Jansen, son-in-law Chris, and grandchildren Alyssa, Malachi and Eden, all of Winnipeg.  Also surviving Bob is his mother Peggy of Oakbank, MB, brothers Harry (Cathy) of Dugald, MB, Jock (Elaine) of Stony Plain, AB, and sister Lori Reimer(Gerald) of Giroux, MB.  He was predeceased by his father Russel in 2013.

Bob was raised on the family farm near Dugald, MB. He met and married Chris in 1971 and eventually returned to Dugald where they raised Melanie and Karen.  Bob was employed for 32 years with the
C N Police from which he elected early retirement at the age of 48.   Shortly after his retirement Bob and Chris moved to Oliver, BC, where he has spent many years pursuing his love of nature. This included his enjoyment of birding, camping, travelling and spending time with his family. Bob also served his community, volunteering with the Kiwanis Club and the Vaseux Lake Bird Observatory.  He has been active as an Elder in the Valley Congregational Church.

Bob enjoyed and excelled at a variety of sports throughout his life. Even into his senior years he stayed active in curling, hockey and hiking. He especially enjoyed participating in the Seniors Games, earning many medals in field events.  Bob’s passion, however, has been his birding where he was actively adding to his life list.  He also became a skilled photographer and many of his photos of wildlife, birds, and nature have been published.

The family wished to express gratitude to Dr Solano, Dr Holmes and all the wonderful nursing staff in ICUW Kelowna General.  Thank you for the good care you gave Bob. Gratitude is also extended to the staff at the Penticton Oncology Department for your excellent care during his two years of treatments.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, October 27, 2:00 pm at Valley Congregational Church, 4312 Black Sage Road, Oliver BC.  A Manitoba service will take place in early November.  Donations can be made in Bob’s memory to Vaseux Lake Bird Observatory through the Okanagan Similkameen Conservation Alliance.

Condolences and tributes may be directed to the family by visiting www.nunes-pottinger.com
Arrangements entrusted to Nunes-Pottinger Funeral Service & Crematorium, Oliver & Osoyoos.