FRANCIS EDWARD McKEE
Sept 3, 1923 – March 10, 2016
Francis is on his way to his last appointment. He defeated the cancer only to have 3 fractured vertebrae keep him confined for the last seven years.
Francis passed away at Royal Inland Hospital with family by his side. He will be greatly missed by his wife and partner of 69 years, Daisy, son Brad of Lloydminster, his daughters Erin (Lawrence) Walker of Celista, BC and Caroline of Berkeley, CA; grandsons Collin and Ian Walker, sister in law Edith of Biggar, SK. Nieces and nephews: Linda (Kamloops), Erin Sam (Dawson Creek), Sharon and Donald (Saskatchewan) and several great nieces and nephews, also two cousins in Northern Ireland who he visited several times, Robert (Hazel) Brown and Margaret (Norman) Brodison.
He was predeceased by his parents, Minnie and Sam McKee, brothers Harold, Gordon and Sam and sister in law Evelyne of Regina.
Francis grew up on the family farm at Sonningdale, SK. Due to a head injury he was not accepted in any branch of the Armed Services during WW11. He came to Kamloops in 1945.
He was involved in many enterprises: part owner of Kamloops Mercantile Menswear for four years, owner of Artlite Studio from 1951 to 1965 with Daisy, silent partner in the David Thompson Hotel and Encore Jewellers and then beginning in 1965, for 35 years in Real Estate.
In 1965 property at the Shuswap was purchased which created many happy memories but left little time for the fishing which he loved.
He was happy to volunteer at many fund raising events and charities. Francis was a Rotarian and belonged to the Rotary Club of Kamloops. He was a Paul Harris Fellow. He had 35 years perfect attendance in the Kamloops Lions Club. Francis was a Freemason. A member of Kamloops Lodge #10 since 1952, he was Master in 1962. He was DDGM of District 3 in 1976. A Royal Arch Mason in Chapter #18 since 1956, he was past presiding officer and District Superintendent. He joined Okanagan Preceptory in Vernon in 1957 and was a charter member of Kamloops Preceptory #84. He joined the Scottish Rite in Vernon in 1962 and was a charter member of Thompson Chapter Rose Croix, serving as MWS in 1984. In 1986, he travelled to Charlottetown, PEI where he received his 33rd degree. He was a Fellow of the Scottish Rite Charitable Foundation.
A member of the Gizeh Shrine since 1957, a past president of the Kamloops Shrine Club, he also belonged to the Red Cross of Constantine and the Royal Order of Scotland.
Sixty year member recognition was accorded him in Kamloops Lodge #10, Royal Arch Masons, Okanagan Preceptory, Gizeh Shrine and fifty year recognition in Scottish Rite.
After retiring he produced many beautiful and functional woodworking items in his shop, which included entrance loveseats, bowls of many different woods, salt shakers and pepper mills from juniper wood and also several foot stools of juniper with Queen Anne legs of which he was very proud.
Francis will be missed for his spontaneous jokes and teasing.
The family would like to extend their sincere thanks and appreciation for the compassionate care by Sandi and Dr. Stefanyk. Also a very special thanks from the family to the faithful visitors especially, Pastor Harold, Marvin, Don, Jac Gerry, Denny and Linda.
Interment will take place on Saturday, March 19 at 1:00 pm at Hillside Cemetery. A Memorial Service for Francis will follow at 2:00 pm in St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, 6th Avenue and Douglas Street with Pastor Harold Wiest officiating. (parking behind the church)
Should friends desire, donations in memory of Francis may be made to St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Memorial Fund.
Condolences may be expressed at: www.schoeningfuneralserive.com

May the winds of love blow gently,
and whisper so you can hear,
that we will always love and miss you,
and wish that you were here.

• Date : 2016-03-10
• Location : Kamloops, BC