William (Bill) Mckee passed away peacefully at home on December 21, 2021 at the age of 84. He is survived by Frances McKee (Merchant), his wife of 57 years. Left to mourn his passing are his children, Bonnie, Kevin and Karen, and his grandchildren Cody & Tristan Stacey, Elizabeth McKee and Sadie McKee-Pereira.
He will be dearly missed by Michael Long, Mike Periera, Marta Long (Szentmiklosi),
his step-grandkids Charles, Christopher and Kate Long, and by his oldest and dearest friend, Robert Valiquette. Bill is predeceased by his parents, John and Jane (Drennan) McKee.
Along with his four siblings, he was raised in Pointe St-Charles. At the age of twelve, he joined the Grand Trunk Boating Club where his passion for competitive canoeing began. In 1974, he became an official for Canoe Kayak Canada and was selected to referee the 1976 Montreal Olympics. This would be one of his greatest accomplishments. He travelled all over the world with his friend, Peter McCabe, to officiate many international championships. They became known as “Frick and Frack” and the laughter and friendship they shared never stopped.
Years later, he would become the Flag Officer/Administrator of Canoe Kayak Quebec as well as an Administrator for the Chateauguay Canoe Club. His legacy will remain, as he was honoured by Canoe Kayak Quebec, with a trophy dedicated to William “Bill” McKee for the Senior Woman C1 200 metre race. It was an honour for him to present the award to the first winner who went on to win a silver medal in the 2020 Olympics.
Bill worked in the finance department for Coca-Cola for 37 years. It was there that he met his wife, Frances. He was best known for his sarcastic sense of humour and storytelling. His home was the hub for very entertaining get togethers throughout the years with his family and friends.
We are comforted in knowing that he is now at peace, up there at “Johnny’s Bar”, having a pint or two with the buddies that predeceased him, especially Peter McCabe, Jack Young and Donnie Robertson.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a celebration of life will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations to Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation would be appreciated.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of William McKee 19372021..
Death notice for the town of: Anjou, Province: Quebec
Nos plus sincères condoléances à toute la famille. M. McKee était pour nous un icône dans le monde du canoë-kayak. Toujours de bonne humeur et il avait toujours des bons mots pour les athlètes. Il restera à jamais dans nos coeurs. Cet homme était un vrai GENTLEMAN.
La famille Poulin du Club de canoë-kayak de Lac-Beauport.