Obituary of Leroy McKinley

Leroy James (Roy or Butch) McKinley of Airdrie, AB left us quietly on February 15, 2006 at the Mayfair Care Centre, Calgary, AB after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s. Born in Tugaske, SK December 3, 1922 to Roy and Blythe McKinley. At 17 years of age he enlisted in the Saskatoon Light Infantry serving in North Africa, Sicily and Italy. In 1944 he volunteered with the First Special Service Force until wars end and returned to Canada in 1946. He married Joyce (Webster) 1947 and together they had 3 daughters. Joyce passed away in 1978 and Roy married Gerri (McCann) in 1979. Roy spent twenty-four happy and productive years in the Longshore industry. After retirement he and Gerri enjoyed trips to Green Lake and chasing golf balls around Surrey, Saskatoon and Nanaimo. Roy was a happy, kind and compassionate man content with his life and always eager to meet new friends but particularly looked forward to annual reunions with his S.L.I. comrades. His family has been left with many wonderful memories. We will miss his contagious smile and his quotes from Robert Service and Shakespeare. Roy was predeceased by his first wife Joyce (Webster) in 1978 and his daughter Gail Joy Wellicome in 2003. Beloved husband, father, stepfather, grandfather of 12 and great grandfather of 7. Survived by his wife Gerri, two daughters, Carol Villemaire (Jerry) and Donna MacIvor (Dan) and Gerri’s family Andy McCann, Judi Smith (Jim), Doug McCann, Thom McCann and Gordon McCann (Linda), brothers Gordon McKinley (Irene) & Ted Jacob and sisters Edith Salmic (Tony) and Roberta Parrish (Larry), many nieces, nephews, in-laws and his comrades from the S.L.I. Cremation has taken place; a celebration of Leroy’s life will take place at a future date in Surrey, BC. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to all staff and caregivers at the Mayfair Care Centre for their loving care and compassion. No flowers please. Any donations would be appreciated to the Royal Canadian Legion “Poppy Fund”. “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened” In living memory of Leroy McKinley, a tree will be planted at Fletcher Park Memorial Forest by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Airdrie Funeral Home, 300 TOWERLANE DRIVE, AIRDRIE. Telephone: (403) 948-1100.