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James McKay
In Memory of
James 'Calder'
McKay
1929 - 2018
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Parkland Funeral Home
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Obituary for James 'Calder' McKay

James 'Calder'  McKay
Mr. J. ‘Calder’ McKay went on his way from the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre on Wednesday, June 6, 2018 at the age of 89 years. Calder entered this earthly world on June 3, 1929 at the Red Deer Municipal Hospital, the only child to Dan and Mae (nee Snell) McKay. Calder took all of his schooling at the Cumberland School, East of Red Deer. Being raised during the Depression, he collected and saved any item he thought could, or might, be useful in the future. Calder was always building or fixing something, may it be vehicles, plumbing or buildings. He was raised on a farm; so one of his first jobs was working for area farmers during the Fall Harvest. Calder lived most of his life in Red Deer and Red Deer County. He was a Painter and Decorator by Trade, painting many buildings in Red Deer and Central Alberta, such as the Red Deer Nazarene College, the Downtown Eaton’s Store, the old Red Deer Armories and a School in Rocky Mountain House. Calder had many skills and during his working days repaired cranes, built granaries, trailers and rebuilt trucks. He worked at a Pole Treating Plant, a Welding Shop and had a Backhoe Business. Having an early passion for flying, Calder obtained his Pilot’s License at the Calgary Airport. He then went on to become a Glider Instructor and was very involved with Waskasoo Aviation and the Red Deer Airport, located on Highway 11, now Highway 11A. He flew a small aircraft from Florida, across country, and back to Red Deer one year. Calder is survived by his loving wife, Rose and their son, Bradley (Cory); daughter, Linda (Maurice); sons, Danny (Brenda) and Darcey (Debbie). He also leaves six loving granddaughters, Stacey, Danielle, Jayme, Haley, Jade and Brooke, and eight great grandchildren; as well as five step children, Monica, Orville, Valerie, Philip and Wayne, and their families. Calder was predeceased by granddaughter, Kayla.
Calder’s many stories, vast knowledge, quick wit and humor will be missed by all who knew him during his Life’s Journey of eighty - nine years. “Your life’s work is now complete; Rest in peace, Calder.” If desired, Memorial Donation’s in Calder’s honor may be made directly to Alberta Shock Trauma Air Rescue Service Foundation at www.canadahelps.org/charities or to S.T.A.R.S. at www.stars.ca Arrangements in care of Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium, 6287 – 67 A Street (Taylor Drive), Red Deer. 403.340.4040.
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