Obituary - Mac McKee
Mac McKee
1936 - 2021
It is with heavy hearts that the family of Herbert Alden ‘Mac’ McKee, beloved husband of Bev, announce his peaceful passing at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital on Wednesday, December 8, 2021, at the age of 85 years. Along with Bev, his loving wife of 61 years, Mac leaves to cherish his memory: daughter, Kelly (Murray) Schlenker; nieces, Nonie (Gary) Hepburn and Diane (Bruce) Young; nephew, Andy (Laura) McKee; numerous great-nieces and great-nephews as well as his many sister-in-Laws and brother-in-laws and their families: Brenda (Richard) Haener, Sheila Dunphy, Darryl (Judy) Dunphy, Wayne Dunphy, Larry (Grace) Dunphy and Marlene (Gerald) Dubois. He was predeceased by his son, Brian in 1992 and his older brother Pat McKee in December of 2006. Mac was born to Herbert and Mary McKee (nee Reeves) on November 5, 1936 in Drumheller, Alberta. His early years were spent on the farm in Craigmyle, Alberta and he was raised and educated in Trochu, Alberta. He later pursued his passion to educate others, receiving his teaching degree at the University of Calgary. A shortage of teachers in the 1960’s opened the door of opportunity for Mac to teach at McCoy in Medicine Hat. He was the first Protestant educator to teach at the Catholic High School. Over the years, he made every effort to have a positive impact on his students, whether teaching shop, math, french or computer programming. Mac was 24 years of age when he married Beverley Anne Dunphy at St. Barnabas Anglican Church in Calgary on December 28, 1960. Over the years, his deep faith in God remained constant. He lived his life with integrity, truth and honour... always a man of his word. Mac was a long-time member of the Elks Club. This provided him with an opportunity to support the community while shooting some pool and having a few beers with lots of laughs. Mac had numerous hobbies and talents. He was an avid landscape artist, creating a beautiful, colourful and private garden in each yard he had as well as at his daughter’s first home. Mac’s huge garden ensured that the family had fresh veggies all winter long while raising his family. His ability to design and draft blueprints was a gift he had and he designed the Tudor style home that both his children were raised in. He was very proud of the home he designed with his family in mind. Mac enjoyed hunting and looked forward each year to making sausage at the Stroh’s. He loved golfing with the Medicine Hat Firemen and friends who went annually to Whitefish, Montana to golf for many happy adventures. He especially enjoyed golfing with his son Brian. Mac wanted his kids to experience travel and expand their horizons. After travelling to England, Ireland and France with Bev several times, he took the entire family on a trip to Europe. This was one summer after a beautiful trip to Montreal and Ontario with his sister-in-law and brother-in-law. Mac loved listening to Jazz music as well as making his own, playing alto and tenor saxophone for various local bands. His quick wit and great sense of humour often made him the life of the party. Mac was extremely hospitable, and some of the best parties were had at the McKee residence over the years where Mac could be found at the BBQ enjoying a Guinness (Vitamin “G”) or a good Rusty Nail! Though he was friends with many, family was always Mac’s priority. This included his grand-puppies, MeeMee and Connor, who he always had treats for in his pockets when he visited. Due to the current Covid restrictions, attendance at Mac’s service will be by invitation only. The funeral service for Mac will be held at St. Barnabas Anglican Church, 635 - 4 Street S.E., Medicine Hat on Friday, December 17, 2021, at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Dr. Oz Lorentzen officiating. Interment will follow at Hillside Cemetery. Those wishing to join the family virtually and experience the celebration of Mac’s life are invited to watch via live-stream on the St. Barnabas facebook page or Youtube channel. Access to both are available on the St. Barnabas website, www.stbmh.ca In lieu of flowers, those wishing to remember Mac may do so through donations to the Alzheimer Society of Alberta, 306, 10430 - 61 Avenue N.W., Edmonton, Alberta, T6H 2J3.
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George & Dean Labas:
Dec 11, 2021 at 10:34 AM
We were so sorry to hear of Mac's passing. We always enjoyed his quick humour.
Kathy Glasgo:
Dec 11, 2021 at 03:12 PM
Sending lots of precious thoughts and prayers to Bev and family. Mac was my teacher and then my colleague. I remember him with love and affection in both roles. Rest peacefully dear friend and mentor.
Dorothy Barton:
Dec 12, 2021 at 07:02 PM
Bev and family, so sorry to read of Mac's passing, my thoughts and prayers are with you take care
Teresa Gyorkos:
Dec 13, 2021 at 01:45 PM
Rod and I are so sorry for your loss, our thoughts and prayers are with you Kel and your darling Mum.xx
Marco Jansen:
Dec 14, 2021 at 09:28 AM
Mac and Bev were the best neighbours one could ever hope for. Mac was always a genuinely happy person who always had a moment to chat or share a laugh. Strength to all his family and friends.
Gail Kesslar:
Dec 14, 2021 at 09:32 AM
Mac was a wonderful next door neighbour for the many years we shared a fence! He and Bev were always so kind to my children and to me! My condolences to Bev and Kelly. You are in my thoughts and prayers!
RHONDA CRITTENDEN:
Dec 14, 2021 at 11:12 AM
My condolences on the loss of your husband / father. He was obviously loved and respected by everyone that knew him .... cherish your wonderful memories and he will be forever in your hearts.
May he Rest in Peace.
Rhonda
Doris Sullivan:
Dec 14, 2021 at 12:44 PM
My sincere sympathy to you Bev and your family. I worked with Mac at McCoy for many years before his retirement, his quick humor, little giggle, and that mischievous glint in his eye is a memory to me!
Lloyd & Donna Jesse:
Dec 14, 2021 at 12:48 PM
Our deepest sympathies Bev and Kelly! Always enjoyed his humor! He will be missed! Love and hugs 🥰
Bill Cocks:
Dec 14, 2021 at 01:04 PM
Bev, I didn't know Mac but the perennial smile on your face and your positive attitude told everyone that you must be happily married. Mac will rest in peace and you will carry on. Bless you.
Maureen Grimm Roberts:
Dec 14, 2021 at 05:17 PM
Mr McKee was a neighbour, a family friend, as well as my high school math teacher. He was one of my most loyal customers at the garden center and came in often to peruse what the season had to offer. Each spring I would always save the nicest hanging baskets with yellow begonias for him. Whenever he'd stop in we'd discuss the various shrubs and plants he was growing. He'd laugh at me because I could never call him "Mac", he will always be Mr. McKee. My condolences are with you all.
Cheryl Meyer Hickey:
Dec 15, 2021 at 12:40 AM
Deepest Sympathy to the Family of Mac McKee,
On that first day of Math class... oh, so many decades ago... I instinctively knew that my semester with Mr. McKee would both advance my Math skills and leave me with food for thought with respect to life skills. His initial admonition, and I paraphrase, to either step forward and express queries or face eternal ignorance, has served me in good stead. And, while I may not have been a memorable student, I do believe his example made me a memorable teacher! Mr. McKee's dedication and entertaining manner ensured that students of every ilk were more fully engaged in the learning experience. Gratitude to the family for sharing Mr. McKee with a multitude of students!
Whitefish Golf Crew:
Dec 15, 2021 at 10:17 AM
Our collective thoughts and prayers go out to Bev, Kelly and family. We will cherish our fond memories of Mac from the 20+ years of Whitefish golf trips/parties, including entertaining everyone with his amazing repertoire of jokes and accents, his outrageous Scottish plaid plus fours, or his quest for that elusive draw shot. So blessed to have known you as a golfing companion and friend. May all your tee shots in Heaven find the fairway.
Chris, Dan, Darrell, Hank, Lionel, Sheldon, Ted & Terry
Gail A Lawrence:
Dec 15, 2021 at 11:30 AM
So sorry to hear of Mac's passing. When I was a young teacher just starting at McCoy High School in the late eighties he was a mentor and friend. He loved to joke and get a laugh but also had a profound wisdom and spirituality which he would share if you asked the right questions. When I think of Mac and Bev, I think of kindness. Thanks so much for sharing yourselves with the community for so many years.
Gene & Maureen Mastel:
Dec 15, 2021 at 05:31 PM
Our sincere condolences, Bev, on the passing of Mac. We both have very fond memories of his wit, humour & hearty laugh, especially at McCoy staff
get-togethers. It was always a pleasure to be in the company of both of you. God bless you & your family as you journey on without him.
William J Anhorn:
Dec 15, 2021 at 08:26 PM
It is with profound sadness that I learned of the passing of “Mr. McKee”. As a former student he was always known to me as “Mr.”, a reflection of my genuine respect for this great educator. Bev -take comfort in knowing that “Mac” lived a full and complete life surrounded by those who genuinely loved him and he was known by many many more as a fine, caring gentleman.
Margaret Stroh:
Dec 16, 2021 at 09:47 AM
Bev and Kelly, our prayers are with you. We have many, many wonderful memories of Mac and your family. He will be missed! Now that Mac and Joe are together again, heaven will never be the same! Deepest condolences from Rob and Margaret.
Elaine Wiedemann:
Dec 16, 2021 at 11:12 AM
Dear Bev & family,
My sympathy and condolences on Mac's passing. Some of my children were his students. He was very much respected. Blessings-Elaine Wiedemann
Brother Larry:
Dec 16, 2021 at 02:57 PM
My sincere condolences to you Dear Bev, Kelly and Murray on the loss of
Mac. I remember meeting Mac at the early age of 16 and knew immediately that he should marry Bev and join our family. Mac had
so many talents and whatever he chose to do, he strived for excellence!
I remember the days when he worked for my dad driving a single
axel sleeper cab from BC over the pass and to Calgary. During those trips,
he had to “chain up” in order to make that steep run which was not an easy task. Never did he have a mishap! After speaking to Mac nearly 3 weeks ago, he fondly reminisced about his driving abilities, even his capability
to drive a large Diamond T.
Being an avid gardener, Mac so enjoyed joking about his prize tomatoes!
According to Mac, he was eating his succulent tomatoes while his
Calgary relatives were just beginning to see the blooms. Mac will be greatly missed! Love and prayers.
Gary &Liz Haubrich:
Dec 16, 2021 at 05:26 PM
Very sorry for your loss. He was a great guy. We always appreciated his great sense of humor and in the personal interest he took in what one was doing. I sure enjoyed my years as one of his colleagues.
Pat Dorward (Bettis):
Dec 17, 2021 at 05:26 PM
Dear Bev and family: my deepest sympathy for the loss of Mack. I pray that the God of all comfort will be with you and sustain you during this difficult time.
I will call you Bev in the new year. Love and prayers
Arleen Heglin:
Dec 17, 2021 at 07:44 PM
Dear Bev and family,
We were saddened to hear of the passing of your beloved Mac. Please know that you are close to our heart and we are praying for you during this most difficult time. May God's infinite love, your beautiful memories, and the love of your family and friends, comfort you and give you peace. Thinking of you always my dear Bev.
Harvey & Arleen
Del Egan:
Dec 18, 2021 at 02:57 AM
I am very sorry to learn of your loss, Bev.
Marilyn Herrmann:
Dec 19, 2021 at 11:42 PM
Thinking of you, Bev, as you remember your dear Mac. Our deepest sympathy.
Marilyn Herrmann and John Stodalka
Lex Karne:
Dec 20, 2021 at 01:29 PM
Dearest Bev and family, My heart goes out to you all.Mac and yourself were such wonderful friends to Danielle and such a comfort to me at her passing. It sounds from the obit that you had a happy and full life together,and I hope the good memories will bring you much comfort.As I said to Mark when he called me about Mac "Danielle will be so excited to see him" God bless you and hold you close Bev. Sincerely,Lex
Gertrude & Marcel Lizée:
Apr 14, 2022 at 03:46 PM
We are so sorry to read of our dear friend’s passing, Mac. We enjoyed so many great times with you and Mac. We treasured our trip together in France. I particularly have fond memories of Mac’s learning French and later teaching it. We had many long evening of debates over the issues of the day. Mac was always joyful and interesting to be with. Our sympathy to you, Bev and Kelly.