Obituary

Robert John McKay
December 19, 1927 – August 30, 2014
Oceanside, California

Robert John McKay, passed away quietly with his wife Sally McKay at his side on August 30, 2014 at their home in Oceanside, Ca. where he had resided since 2001. The world lost a wonderful husband, father, brother, brother-in-law, grandfather, uncle, and friend.

He was the oldest of three children of Robert & Elizabeth (Miller) McKay who predeceased him. He is survived by his wife Sally McKay, four children, Marti (Steve) Eppley of Edmonton, Keith McKay of Spruce Grove, Terry (Deb)McKay of Edmonton and Julie (Dyle) McKay-Larsen of Edmonton, 2 step-sons, Kenneth (Mary) McGeorge of Louisiana, and Mark (Danyele) McGeorge of Florida, a sister Bette (Neil) Upright of St. Albert, and brother Doug (Gloria) McKay of Sherwood Park, brother-in-law Bert (Dee) Spencer, Sister-in-law Betty (Alvin) David of Michigan, 20 grandchildren & step grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren & step grandchildren, & 15 nieces & nephews & step nieces & nephews. He was pre-deceased by Daughter Wendy (Patrick) Maguire, first wife Audrey (Spencer) McKay, second wife Carol (Thompson) McKay, & mother-in-law Virginia Burnett.

He started his work career at CJCA in Edmonton and retired after working for 36 years for CBC Radio & Television to enjoy his family and love of Traditional Dixieland Jazz. He rounded out his work history by working the Calgary Winter Olympics. He volunteered his time at Ronald MacDonald House in Edmonton for 10 years. He worked as a tireless volunteer for many Jazz festivals from Phoenix to Lacey, Washington as well as attending many others. He was president of the Overlander Trailer Club for several years. He wintered in Arizona where he enjoyed playing baseball on the Rock Shadows Slow Pitch Team. He played slow pitch for the CBC Team before and after his retirement. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and was always there for their important events.

He met his wife Sally at the San Diego Traditional Dixieland Jazz Festival. Sally owned a travel agency -MG Travel and they both shared a love of jazz & travel and traveled all over the world.

They loved doing traditional Dixieland Jazz cruises as well as they produced the Original Jass Camp at Sea in 2007 and other Jazz festivals. They lived each day of their marriage as if it was their last. There will be a private celebration of life held in Edmonton as well as Oceanside, California at a later date.

Anyone wishing to honor Bob’s life and memory may send donations to Ronald MacDonald House in Edmonton, Alberta.

Celebration of Life
Sunday, September 28
1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Grandin Ballroom, St. Albert Inn and Suites
#156 St. Albert Trail St. Albert, Alberta Canada T8N 0P5
(780) 459-5551

Celebration of Life
Saturday, October 04
1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Pilgrim Creek Estates
5272 Pilgrim Way Oceanside, CA 92057