James (Jim) William Gerald McKay

August 15, 1939 – May 11, 2022

In Loving Memory ~

With profound sadness and heavy hearts, we share the passing of our beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather, Twin Brother, Uncle and Friend, Jim McKay. Jim passed away unexpectedly at home in Comox, BC doing what he loved best, outdoors in our garden.

Survived by his loving wife and best friend, Susan Field, daughters Trish Carefoot, Lisa McKay, sons; Peter McKay, Jim McKay, Susan’s children Cory Field and April Field, as well as his many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and twin brother David McKay and his wife Joan.

Jim was born in Brandon, Manitoba, and moved to Lynn Valley, North Vancouver at an early age. He loved Lynn Canyon, it was his original playground, spending many hours fishing, hiking and swimming, and considered it has his safe sanctuary as a child and young teen.

Jim graduated from North Shore Secondary, and went on to UBC and Oregon State University, where he earned his Master’s in School Administration. Jim was an accomplished runner, who ran with the norwesters Track Club, as well as UBC. He won many accolades, and was an Olympic alternate in the mile. He was also a member of rugby and football teams in high school. Then marriage(Lynn McKay) and children came, and life took him in a different direction. In 1970, Jim and family moved from North Vancouver to Penticton, and onto Naramata, where he built the family home on an apple, peach and apricot orchard. He was the principal of Naramata Elementary for seven years, before moving to open a new school, Parkway Elementary. From there he moved to Princess Margaret Secondary as a Vice Principal, and stayed there until he retired.

Jim was heavily involved in the community. He coached all four of his children in their soccer endeavours, as well as many of his schools’ athletic teams. He fought for the inclusion of females in the predominantly male sports landscape, trying to ensure his daughters had all the opportunities that his sons had. He taught Sunday school at the Naramata Anglican Church. He was also involved with Toastmasters, as well as various charity and volunteer positions.

Jim loved fishing, and started in Lynn Canyon at an early age. He moved onto lake fishing in the Okanagan, and eventually ‘graduated’ to salt water fishing. Sockeye was his favourite, the elusive Tyee a challenge, he fulfilled that challenge landing a large “catch and release” fishing with his daughter Lisa last summer. He also enjoyed tennis and golf.

Jim moved to Comox in the late 1990’s where he eventually met Susan Field. They soon became each other’s best friends, and companions, growing into a love that neither of them could deny. They were together on the day of his passing.

Jim will be remembered and dearly missed for his gentle soul, kind heart, quick witted humour and incredible laugh. A well-loved, happy and content man.

He will be missed by all