Gordon Grant McKay

Gordon Grant McKay (Grant) was born to Lorna and Charlie McKay at Stettler, Alberta, on February 18, 1952. He was the fourth of their six children. He grew up in Stettler, graduating from William E. Hay Composite High School in 1970. Grant married his wife, Betty (née Paige) on August 7, 1981. Their lives were blessed by three children.

Grant worked in the agriculture world for many years. He worked for Lloyd Isles at Stettler Fertilizer, eventually purchasing the business at the age of 27. This career allowed Grant to build many strong relationships with people in the Stettler region.

Over the years, he followed his interests and passions pursuing a wide variety of ventures and initiatives. He loved thoroughbred horses, and for a time was employed by Elmer Turigan working with racehorses. Elmer remembered Grant as the best worker he ever had.

A devoted family man, Grant loved spending time with his wife, children and grandkids. He was always invested in his kids’ activities, including Junior Forest Wardens, swimming, skiing, fishing and horseback riding. Perhaps his favourite game was “tag,” which all of the young kids in the family remember playing with him.

His sense of humour, intelligence and quick wit made Grant a fun person to be around. An avid traveller, Grant visited Panama, Belize, Mexico, South America, Patagonia, Brazil, Europe, the Grand Cayman and Ireland. A curious person, Grant fancied himself a prepper, and surrounded himself with many containers of freeze dried food courtesy of his dehydrator.

We already miss his wisdom, personality, guidance, singing and most of all -- his love, which he always made us feel.

Grant is survived by his wife Betty, his children Paige, Paul and Jamie-Lynn, his grandchildren Reagan, Deacon, Cayman, Liam, Mateo and Paul Jr., his siblings Gary (Dianne), Karen (Greg), Doug (Shirley), Marilyn (Jim), and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Lorna and Charlie McKay, his brother Ricky McKay, and his nephew Derek Abel.

A Celebration of Life will be held at FOSTER’S GARDEN CHAPEL, 3220 – 4 Street N.W., Calgary, Alberta (across from Queen’s Park Cemetery) on Sunday, January 26, 2025 at 2:00 p.m.

The Celebration of Life will also be live streamed for those who wish to attend virtually, please click in the link in service area below the obituary. Contact Foster’s Garden Chapel for more information.