Obituaries

MCKAY, Stu

John Stuart (Stu) McKay

2 November 1933 – 5 March 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Stu McKay, beloved husband of Fay (predeceased May 2020).

He passed peacefully on his own terms surrounded by his loving family.

Stu was born in Trail, BC. The son of Jimmy and Olive McKay and the brother of Dianne, Tom and Bill. He was a true “Kootenay boy” and grew up in the early days of Red Mountain when all that existed was a single chairlift up Red. He spent his youth backcountry skiing; hiking up the mountains such as Record, Roberts, Grey, Kirkup, Plewman and Old Glory. In the summers he would fish on the Columbia River and hike the local mountains. His stories of getting lost in a blizzard while up Old Glory and then finding the search party, that was also lost; as well as his story of spending a week up Kokanee Glacier and not catching any fish (as that is what they had hoped to survive on) were always entertaining.

Stu graduated in Electrical Engineering from UBC in 1956 and moved to Peterborough, Ontario to work at General Electric. It was there that he met his future wife, Fay. After they were married, they moved to Sault Ste. Marie where Stu worked at Algoma Steel. In 1960 they moved to Kimberley, BC where Stu worked at the mine for Cominco. During his time in Kimberley, Stu was President of the North Star Ski Hill. He was also a member of one of the first backcountry helicopter ski excursions in Canada.

In 1969 the family moved to Penticton, BC and Stu transferred to West Kootenay Power. In the summers he would take his sons fishing in the mountain streams and in the fall hunting in the high mountain areas. There were also many memorable family boating and camping trips on the local lakes. In the winters it was skiing at Apex Alpine.

In 1972 the family moved to Trail, BC (only two houses down from where Stu was born). While there he was promoted to Sr. VP Operations at West Kootenay Power. He remained active in the community and continued to downhill ski until age 81. After that he continued to cross-country ski until age 85. He designed and built the family cabin on the Arrow Lake. The family has many fond memories of summers spent out at “the lake”.

In 2018 Stu and Fay moved to Kelowna and lived their final years in Missionwood Retirement Resort. There they met many new friends playing bridge, and participating in many activities.

Stu was a true engineer. There was always something being fixed, built or designed. There was always a “project to do”. He was well respected at work and in the community and those that knew him well saw him as a humble, caring, fun loving man full of love for his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Stu and Fay were married for 63 years and had 3 boys; James (Tracy), Stephen (Marian) and Paul (Joanne). Six grandchildren; Andrea (Luc), Michael (Bree), Mathieu (Marisa), Graeme (Kenzie), Charlotte (Trenan) and Aidan. And two great grandchildren Hudson and Scottie.

He was a loving husband and an amazing father, grandfather and great grandfather. He will be missed dearly.

Condolence Messages

Mar 14, 2025
Our heartfelt sympathies for the McKay families. I recall Stu and Fay's many visits to our cul-de-sac when they would come to town to see their loving son Steve, Marian and the boys, Michael and Graeme. Stu raised fine young men who worked hard and became successful and respected in their fields while always proudly parenting and nurturing their own growing children. A father could ask for nothing more. - Kevin.Rita
Mar 13, 2025
My deepest condolences to Steve, Marion , Michael and Graeme, so sorry for your loss. - Matthew Barlow

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