Obituary of Michael David Andrew McClay

January 31, 1972 - Winnipeg, Manitoba

October 22, 2021 - Calgary, Alberta

Michael McClay, beloved husband of Lindsey and amazing father to Charlie and Grier, passed away suddenly on Friday, October 22, 2021, at the age of 49.

Michael was a great athlete. He grew up playing lacrosse and hockey. Losing his leg in a motorcycle accident at age eighteen never slowed him down. He played on the Canadian Amputee Hockey team, competing all over the world, ultimately bringing home the gold medal from the 2004 Paralympic Games. Michael loved spending time in the mountains skiing, snowboarding and hiking with family and friends. He loved riding his mountain bike, exploring new trails, and seeking new adventures. He was always up for a competitive squash match with his son, an equally competitive round of golf with buddies, and he looked forward to his weekly tennis matches (especially the beers afterwards with the guys). Michael spent his summers at Kalamalka Lake, waterskiing every morning, swimming and surfing with his family. His winters were spent skiing in Fernie and he occasionally snuck in a Cat-Ski trip to Baldface Lodge. He also loved to travel and was always keen to visit and discover new places.

Michael graduated from Mount Royal University in 2000 with a diploma in Environmental Technology.  He started his career with Clifton and Associates, moved on to Matrix Solutions and Cenovus Energy before joining Suncor Energy as a Senior Regulatory Advisor. He enjoyed working with all his colleagues and truly thrived in a team setting.

Michael, or “McClay” as he was known to many of his friends, touched so many people’s lives and will be fondly remembered for being such a friendly, positive, and loving person who always went out of his way to say hello. His hugs were genuine, and he made sure that everyone felt special. His enthusiasm for life was truly contagious. But above all else, Michael will be remembered as an amazing father and a loving husband. He treasured his family more than anything, selflessly making sure they were safe and taken care of before thinking of himself.  Michael was their protector, and he will be so dearly missed.

Michael leaves behind his loving parents, Tom McClay and Donna Rud, and Carol Anne and John Lapointe; and his sisters, Jenny Newsome (Sean), Lindsay Lundstrom (Jon), and Jaclyn Scrimshaw (Rob). He is also survived by his aunt Marilyn McClay, and many nephews and his niece, Noah Newsome, Holden, Fleur and Miller Gould, MacIntyre and Crosby Brown, as well as his large extended family, Barbara and Jack McKay, Kristen and Jonathan Gould, Stephanie McKay and Rob MacInnes, Heather McKay and Sean Brown.

A Celebration of Michael’s Life will be held at The Glencoe Club (636 29th Ave SW, Calgary, AB) on Saturday, October 30, 2021 from 2:00 to 4:30 p.m.  As per facility requirements, those attending will need to provide proof of COVID vaccination to enter and will be required to wear a mask while in attendance. For family and friends unable to attend, the Celebration will also be streamed live here on the day of the service and a recording of the service will be posted afterwards. 

Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Michael’s obituary at here. In living memory of Michael McClay, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area.

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Michael's Memorial Card can be viewed by clicking here