Gildred McKay

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Gildred “Gil” McKay, who passed away peacefully on August 30, 2026, at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, at the age of 77.

Gil was born in Miramichi, New Brunswick, to his beloved parents, Archie and Laura McKay. He later made his home in Kenora, Ontario, settling there in 1984. For more than 40 years, Kenora was home, a place where he built a life filled with family, friendships, laughter, stories, and countless memories.

A dedicated and hardworking man, Gil spent his career as an ironworker and was incredibly proud of his membership in Ironworkers Local 759. His work was an important part of who he was, and he took great pride in the brotherhood and friendships he formed throughout his career.

Gil loved the simple things in life and had a way of making them memorable.

He loved to fish and was happiest out on the water, rod in hand. He was equally in his element sitting quietly in a blueberry patch, meticulously filling his bucket one berry at a time.

He loved a good game of cards, especially crib, and enjoyed the friendly competition and camaraderie that came with it. He also looked forward to his daily coffee at McDonald’s, where he could catch up on the latest news, share some laughs, and visit with friends.

Gil loved a good story. And perhaps even more than hearing one, he loved telling one. His stories of growing up downriver in the Miramichi were legendary, filled with colourful characters, memories, and, more often than not, a little embellishment. If you knew Gil, you knew that the story was always going to get better with every telling.

He was famous for his spontaneous pop-in visits to his kids, family, and buddies. You never quite knew when Gil might show up at the door, but you could almost guarantee his arrival would begin with his familiar, “How’s she goin’, bud?”

Country music ran through Gil’s soul. In his later years, after his kids introduced him to YouTube, he discovered an entirely new world. He was like a kid in a candy store, happily watching his favourite country music stars over and over again, and then, of course, sharing them with anyone who would listen.

Gil’s life was also defined by the people around him. He treasured his friendships and the relationships he built over the years. He leaves behind members of what was affectionately known as “the First Wives Club,” Rose May of Neguac, Deb and Becky of Kenora, friendships that remained an important part of his life.

He will also be fondly remembered at many family gatherings by Leif Wickman and Mark Brimson, who shared in many of the moments, stories, laughs, and memories that made Gil’s life so special.

Above all, Gil was a father and grandfather who was deeply loved.

He leaves behind his cherished daughters, Réa (Jonas), Ashley, and Carly, and his beloved grandchildren, Kassandra, Meaghan, Seth, Maddison, Emily, and Nathaniel.

He will be lovingly remembered by his siblings Margaret, Theresa, Gerry (Louise), Lewis (Shirley), Roger (Faye), Isabel (late Rheal), May (John), Alice (Donny), and Nancy (Paul).

Gil was predeceased by his parents, Archie and Laura McKay, and his siblings Gerald, Joanne, Danny (Lynn), Eugene, and Mary.

Gil leaves behind a lifetime of stories, friendships, laughter, lessons, and memories. His absence will be deeply felt, not only by his family, but by the many friends, coworkers, neighbours, and members of the community whose lives he touched over his 77 years.

His grandchildren will carry with them the memories of their grandfather, including the stories, the laughter, and the many little moments that become the memories we treasure most.

And his family will carry forward the stories of the man who could turn a simple visit, a game of cards, a coffee, a fishing trip, or a blueberry-picking afternoon into something worth remembering.

Though his passing leaves an immeasurable void in the hearts of those who loved him, Gil’s memory will live on in the stories we tell, the laughter we share, and the people he loved most.

He will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.

Rest peacefully, Dad.

Your love, your stories, your laughter, and your memory will remain with us always.

Love, from your girls 💕

Celebration of life to be held in the summer of 2027

The lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit Psalm 34:18

He will wipe every tear from their eyes, there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain for the old order of things has passed away Revelation 21:4