Strong Thunder Bird
Peacefully on May 23, 2026 at his home in Portage la Prairie, our brother, uncle, nephew, cousin and friend, William John McKay passed away at the age of 54 years.
William leaves to mourn his sisters, Christine Miskonoodinkwe Smith, Marguerite McFarlane and Alice McKay (Damien); nephews Dolan, Conor and Lucas; nieces, Aibhlinn, Brannagh, Sam Langlois and Alexandra Doiron; aunts, Aurillia McKay, Aldona McKay and Helen Kakewash; uncles, Ivan McKay, William Kakewash, Collin Kakewash, Wes McKay, Hilda McKay, Steven Mull, Randa Calvez, Eugene Paul and Andrew Moses McKay; along with his nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives.
William was predeceased by his parents, William John Sr. and Anna Smith; brother, Wilfred John McKay; uncle, George Franklin McKay; aunts, Flora Jane McKay and Sharon Kakewash; grandparents, William and Rose (nee Asham); his brother in-law, Jeff Venney; as well as numerous other relatives.
Billy moved into his home to Brookside December 2012, there he made lots of long-lasting friendships. Billy enjoyed sitting outdoors watching staff doing yard work and picking apples off the tree. He enjoyed naps out in the sun on his sun bed. Billy was always bouncing around, affectionate towards his staff. He was happy to see staff by giving them a hug and morning kiss when they arrived. Billy loved seeing his friends within new directions at all our gatherings.
His giggles and smiles were contagious. Billy always let his staff know his wants and needs he made sure he was in control of his life. Billy always made sure his house was clean and tidy he did not like clutter. One of his favourite things to do with staff were taking long walks in the parks. He will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by us all.
Viewing: Friday, May 29, 2026 from 12:00 - 2:00 p.m. at the Deliverance Centre, 1831 Selkirk Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba
Cremation will follow the service with interment at a later date.
I'm Free
Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free,
I'm following the path Creator laid for me,
I took His hand when I heard Him call,
I turned my back and left it all.
I could not stay another day,
To laugh, to love, to work or play,
Tasks left undone must stay that way,
I found the peace at the close of day.
If my parting has left a void,
Then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,
O yes, these things, I too will miss.
Be not burdened with times of sorrow,
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow,
My life's been full, I savored much,
Good friends, good times, a loved one's touch.
Perhaps my time seemed all too brief,
Don't lengthen it now with undue grief,
Lift up your hearts and share with me,
Creator wanted me now, He set me free.
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