Gone But Not Forgotten

A year ago today, I lost my Dad, My children's Grandfather and My Best Friend. Today I sit and reflect just how much I miss him, yet find myself putting my selfish thoughts of wanting him here with us forever aside and being thankful for what we did have with him.

My Oldest daughter does have fantastic memories of him that she can share with her sister. I have wonderful memories of him, learned many things from him and we all had all his love. We were (and will continue to be) the closest and most loving family I have ever known. I am thankful for the 27 years I got to know him and moreover the last 6.5 years since his first heart attack that we got to have "extra" thanks to modern medicine. My heart aches for my mother who is lost with out her soul mate and I pray I don't know that feeling for a very very long time.

Remember, my friends, hugs those close to you and be sure to tell them just how much you love them as you have no idea when it will be the last time you do!

Jewels

This was what we wrote in the news paper (just sharing for a few friends that had not seen it last year)

Patrick "Pat" McKay passed away on Wednesday, June 20, 2007, at the age of 56 years, beloved husband of Karen McKay of Medicine Hat. He also leaves to cherish his memory his parents, William "Bill" and Lucy McKay; his children, Cory (Rhonda) McKay and their children Darin and Zander; Chris (Drewin) and their children Keirah and Jayda; Patrick Jr. (Diana) McKay and their son Cale; and Julie-Ann (Curtis) Wells and their children McKayla and McKenzie; two brothers, Mike (Jacquie) McKay and Sandy McKay; his sister-in-law Nancy McKay; Karens parents, Julia (Daniel) Badgley and Wilfred Gibson as well as numerous brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law and nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his granddaughter Elizabeth and Karen’s stepmother Alice Gibson. Pat was born June 19, 1951, and raised in Hamilton, Ontario. He joined the army at the young age of 17. His first posting was in Petawawa, Ontario, where he met his wife-to-be, Karen Gibson. They married when Pat was 22 years old and Karen was 17. They were also posted in Dundurn Saskatchewan where their first son was born. They then returned to Petawawa where, as Pat would say, "The winters were cold and they had three more". In 1988 they were posted in Suffield, Alberta "Somewhere near a place called Medicine Hat". Pat then retired from the army in 1989 and the family moved from Ralston to Medicine Hat, where he drove for Care Cabs for 8 years. He worked as a commissioner in Suffield for a few years and then returned to driving with Care Cabs. He became internationally known as "The Gangsta" Cab driver because of his favorite fedora hat. He then became lovingly known as "Pat in da hat". He was told by his customers that people were talking about him in Germany. He was THE gentleman taxi driver, providing roses to the ladies on special occasions, playing relaxing jazz music and going out of his way to please his customers. Pat’s first love was his childhood sweetheart Karen, whom he met when she was 15. They enjoyed over 33 years of marriage, and became the perfect role model for their children and grandchildren. He was always so proud of Karen and he was always bragging about her newest accomplishment, especially her singing. Pat was a true family man. Always telling anyone who would listen about the latest happenings with his kids or grandchildren. Pat had many hobbies to fill his spare moments. He enjoyed playing on his computer, wood-working and yard work. His latest endeavor was building a pond from scratch for him and Karen and the rest of the family to enjoy. Over the last couple of years he discovered his love of cooking and sharing his secret BBQ sauce with family. Together Pat and Karen enjoyed the theatre. While Karen was on stage singing and dancing, Pat was behind the scenes lending a helping hand and often comic relief. Final staging for Pat McKay arranged by Derek Martin, lovingly known as the "Nazi stage manager" and Pat would of liked that! The memorial service will be held in PATTISON CHAPEL on Tuesday, June 26, 2007 at 1:00 p.m. with long time friend Mr. Doug Blackstock presiding. A private family interment will follow in the Hillside Cemetery.