MCKAY, Robert “Bob” Murray

Robert “Bob” Murray Mckay

April 8, 1943 – February 10, 2022

Bob McKay of Lethbridge, Alberta passed away at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Thursday, February 10, 2022 at the age of 78 years. He was in hospital receiving treatment for bladder cancer during which he contracted Covid.

Bob will be greatly missed by all who loved and knew him – his wife of 55 years Sandra and his son Ryan (Kathryn Koliaska); grandchildren Elizabeth and Mark McKay; sister Donna Fyles; nephew Glenn Fyles; extended family and numerous friends.

Bob was born in Cardston, Alberta the son of Ruth Gillespie and Donald Alexander McKay. He attended Cardston Elementary and Highschool where he met his future wife pursuing both her and further schooling at the University of Montana where he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry. He married Sandra Long on June 24th 1967 at the United Church in Waterton, and began working as a member of the Department of Chemistry at the University of Lethbridge in September of the same year. He was one of the first Chemistry Instructors hired by the University of Lethbridge and worked there over the next 38 years guiding the development of laboratory skills and critical thinking in almost two full generations of undergraduate science students. Bob and Sandra traveled to numerous countries around the world and passed on their love to travel to their son, Ryan. They were pioneers of West Lethbridge, building the 7th house on the west side of the city. Bob was a fly fisherman, avid golfer, baseball and softball player, racquet ball and squash player, curler, cyclist, runner, and soccer coach. Bob was an especially accomplished squash player competing nationally and later receiving national coaching certification. He volunteered extensively in the community he loved including two terms as President of the Lethbridge YMCA, a member of both the Masonic and Shrine orders, and Senator at the University of Lethbridge. He will be greatly missed by his family and his many friends.

We are very touched to have received a personal letter from the President of the University of Lethbridge which in part reads: “In recognition of Bob’s passing, today we have lowered our flag; a statement of respect regarding all that Bob contributed to the U of L and how much he will be missed.” Attached below is a communication regarding Bob’s passing that is posted on the U of L’s Notice Board.

https://www.ulethbridge.ca/notice/notices/condolence-notice-%E2%80%94-bob-mckay#.Ygvyy99lCWY

Bob will be privately remembered by family and friends.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Lethbridge Humane Society or to a scholarship created in his name at the University of Lethbridge (Scholarship contact John Eng – engj@uleth.ca).

Visit www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.