Former MNO Senator Bob McKay (right) is awarded the
Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) Suzanne Rochon-Burnett
Volunteer of the Year Award at the 2014 MNO Annual
General Assembly by former MNO President Gary
Lipinski (left). Click here to view a larger version of the
picture.
Former Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) Senator Bob McKay was an active MNO Senator for a number of years. For those who did not get to meet him personally, Bob has a real presence and a quiet, dignified, and courteous demeanor. He also has a great sense of humour. He usually introduced himself as Brad Pitt.
Bob was always willing to give a leg-up to anyone who needed or asked for help; there are many examples of him doing so. One example that I know of first hand, is that when I got elected to PCMNO, he gave me copies of his prayers because he knew I would need them.
He served both the MNO and the MNO Thunder Bay Métis Council very well. He was presented the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal by former MNO President Gary Lipinski MNO President.
Below is a letter from Bob to all members of the MNO community.
Joe Poitras
PCMNO Executive Senator
Hello Senators,
This is to send thanks for all the friendship, laughter, good times and discussions we have had over the last twenty years. We are grateful for all the friends we have made and especially thank you for your prayers and cards since my illness prevented me from joining you last year. I particularly enjoyed the Get Well Card that everyone signed at the last Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) Annual General Assembly (AGA). It brought back so many good memories. We were always treated as family and welcomed with open arms and we miss that that so much.
Special thanks to Reta Gordon for all her guidance and wisdom over the years. To the MNO staff for all their help and hard work. Thank you to Senator Rene Gravelle for taking the time for a personal visit and the many others who telephoned to wish me well. I was also honoured by a visit from Mitch Case, Margaret Froh, Gary Lipinski, Tim Pile, Cam Burgess and Ken Simard. Janine Landry has also stopped by several times for a quick visit and to see how I am doing.
I would like at this time to tell you that I have been struck down (literally) by ALS or Lou Gehrig’s Disease and so I would urge you to consider supporting research into this disease. I am fortunate that I do not suffer any pain, but most of my energy is used just to breathe. I am able to walk with a walker, but unable to leave the house and I cannot play my guitar anymore. But life is good and Gloria is doing a good job of looking after me and my needs.
In closing, with tears in my eyes, I ask the Creator to bless you all with happiness, health and prosperity.
Former MNO Senator Bob and Gloria McKay
P.S.: One of my favourite Proverbs (especially for the youth):
A vision without a plan is just a dream.
A plan without a vision is just a drudgery.
But a vision with a plan can change the world.
If you are interested in supporting ALS research in honour of Bob, donations can be made online at www.als.ca/en/donate.
Donations can also be made by mail, phone, or fax. Please click here to download the donation form. [PDF]
Mailing Address
ALS Society of Canada
3000 Steeles Avenue East, Suite 200
Markham, ON
L3R 4T9
Published on: November 14, 2016