Lise & family
Our sincere condolences.
Leo & Linda Benoit
MCKAY, Larry
1952 - 2023
Lawrence “Larry” Harold McKay passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Tuesday, September 19th, 2023 at Blanche River Health in Kirkland Lake following a year long battle with cancer.
Larry was born in Pembroke, Ontario on July 17 th , 1952. He was predeceased by his parents Lawrence and Ketha (Cotnam) McKay, mother and father in law Anita and Noel Guimond and granddaughter Siobhan McKay.
He is survived by his loving wife of 44 years Lise (Guimond), children Jamie of Angus, Ian and Kaitlyn of Kirkland Lake, grandson Cayden McKay of Angus, and sister Alice McKay of Deep River. He also leaves behind in laws Mike & Sue Guimond, Luc Guimond & Deborah Hutchison, nieces Darian, Baylee and Lanie Guimond of Kirkland Lake, and bonus daughter Tanis Bukowski of Tecumseh.
Larry grew up in Deep River, ON, to two teacher parents. He turned his love of sport and family background into a longstanding career. He attended the University of Ottawa and achieved his Bachelor of Health & Physical Education followed by a Bachelor of Education at Queens University. He had a 31-year teaching career that began in 1975, with a brief 10-year period at Adams Mine. He had an unrelenting commitment to his work and to those that he worked with, even serving as long standing Physical Education Department Head at both KLCVI and KLDCS. His passion and enthusiasm made him a dedicated coach and mentor. He spent years coaching in a variety of sports such as football, basketball, soccer, and golf.
Additionally, he would umpire and referee a multitude of sports within the school district. He officially retired from teaching in 2017 but continued to actively substitute teach until 2022.
In his spare time he enjoyed reading, playing a variety of sports, and golfing with a great group of guys. He loved spending time with friends and family, and beating anyone he could at Trivial Pursuit. He spent decades coaching and umpiring in both girls’ softball and the Women’s Slo-Pitch League. His love of sport also saw him attend many Rouyn-Noranda Huskies and Kirkland Lake Gold Miners hockey games, which would see him join the Gold Miners Executive for several years. No matter what he did, his true passion was always teaching.
Larry’s family would like to thank the staff at Blanche River Health for their compassion, care and comfort to Larry and his family over the past year. In particular, the McKay family would like to thank Dr. Kurki, Betty Smallwood, and the nurses who were part of his care, including many former students.
A Celebration of Life will take place on Sunday, September 24 th at 1:00pm at the Royal Canadian Legion at 1 Summerhayes Avenue in Kirkland Lake. All are welcome to come share memories of Larry and celebrate his life and legacy.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the KLDCS Scholarship and Bursary Fund in Larry’s name.
Cheques can be sent to:
60 Allen Avenue
P.O. Box 520
Kirkland Lake, ON
P2N 3J5
Or E-transfers can be sent to kldcsscholarships@gmail.com in memory of Larry McKay.
Write your sympathies or tribute
52 messages received
Lise and family and extended family
So very sorry to hear of your great loss.
You are in our thoughts and prayers!
McKay and Guimond families.
Sincere condolences on your loss. Thoughts and prayers for you all.
The Whelan family.
Larry's family
Deeply saddened to hear of Larry's passing.
I have many great memories of Larry while I grew up in the halls of KLCVI, as well as in the neighbourhood, and will certainly miss our back and forth good natured ribbing.
My sincerest condolences to Lise and the family.
Lise and family
My condolences at this trying time…Noel and now Larry….we are all poorer and sadder for their passing
Larry's Family
My condolences to Coach's family.
Mr. McKay was a great mentor, a strong leader, and a compassionate teacher. I owe so much gratitude to him for getting me through one of the hardest parts of my life and always believing in my athletic abilities. Because of his great mentorship, I went into an education career and coaching youth sports and I will forever carry on the lessons he taught me. Thank you coach for never letting me give up.
I'll be back on the court in a couple of weeks, and I'll play for you
Rest easy, my friend.
May my support
warm your heart
Lise et famille
Nos sincères condoléances!
Lise and family
Our deepest condolences on Larry's passing. Larry was always the "teacher"!
To Larry McKay
I am giving my condolences to you family. He was a good teacher.
The McKay family
We are very sorry to read of Larry's passing and of his father-in-laws' passing. Our sincerest condolences go out to you.
Lise and family.
My heart breaks for your loss. Larry was an amazing man and I am so greatful for time I had working with him. I will never forget that twinkle in his eye when he had a funny plan or a joke to tell.
Sending you all strength and courage.
McKay-Guimond Families and Friends
No words can convey the sadness to you Lise and the Family right now, Larry was sure a fighter for the last year, went thru so much We had many talks together in the lobby waiting for Lise to come pick him up, and he never ever had words of giving up. Your at peace now Larry.
Lise, Kaitlyn & family
My thoughts are with you at this time. So sorry for your loss!
Lise and McKay Family
So very sorry for your loss. Deepest sympathy to Larry's family and friends.
Kaitlyn and Family
Sending our deepest sympathies in the loss of your dear father, husband, and grandfather. May time and your memories help see you through.
Lise and Family
Larry’s passing will most certainly leave a void in the Kirkland Lake community. He was a positive influence to the students of KLDCS And KLCVI.
May your memories help to heal your sorrow️
McKay and Guimond Families
We are saddened to hear of Larry's passing. Sending hugs to all the family.
McKay and Guimond families
So sorry for your loss. Larry was a great guy and teacher. My deepest condolences.
Lise
I wish you strength and loving support of friends and family at this unimaginable time of loss.
Celeste
Lise, Ian, Jamie and Kaitlyn
A beautiful obituary to celebrate Larry…such a special man, husband, father, grandfather, teacher, colleague, friend and community minded citizen. So very sorry that he had to leave so soon. I appreciate the many opportunities to work with such a dedicated, personable, sincere educator. Please accept my condolences. May your many fond memories help to support and sustain you through this very sad time…
Sincerely,
Linda Henry
The McKay family
Our deep condolences from Josee and I. Larry will be missed by all who worked with him, and the students he impacted through his career. RIP
Lise Guimond & Family
Our deepest condolences for your loss. Our Grandson Cole thought a lot of Larry, he will be missed.
Lise Guimond and Family
We are sorry to learn of Larry's passing and wish to express our sincere condolences.
Lise and family
Sorry for your loss Lise i didnt know he was ill
This is so sad and your Dad too..!
May my support
warm your heart
Lise and Family
We were saddened to hear of Larry’s passing. We will have fond memories of him from our younger years, he was such a beauty of a guy.
God bless all the gang.
Mckay and Guimond Families
Please accept my condolences on your loss. Larry was one of a kind. He was my football coach in 1975 and my friend ever since. A special and caring man who had so much to give and never held it back. Touched so many over the years and leaves a wonderful legacy. Those of us who's life he helped enriched will miss him. Rest well my coach.
Kaitlyn and family
We’re thinking of you and your family during this time Kaitlyn. Mr. McKay was a great teacher to so many students!
May my support
warm your heart
Familles McKay et Guimond
Thinking of you as you celebrate Larry’s beautiful life. May you find comfort in the many happy memories you shared with him. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
May my support
warm your heart
Lise and family
Sincere sympathies to you and your families. God bless.
Lise and family
Lise,
I am sending prayers to you, and family members as you go through
Your loss of your two, most loved men in your life. May God give you the strength to muddle through the next few months, and years!
Thinking and praying for you. R.I.P. Larry
May my support
warm your heart
Lise & Family
Our deepest condolences to Lise & the family. I will always have fond memories of Larry. We became very close friends in the early 70's on the staff at KLCVI and we spend a lot of time together especially playing Slow-Pitch and coaching Girls' Softball not to mention the many hours of discussion at the Capitol Arms Hotel. I will always remember him as a warm, friendly and compassionate person. We will miss him dearly.
Pasquale Di Sano (Sharon, Stephanie & David)
MCKAY FAMILY
I’m sorry for your loss. Larry was a great teacher, I had him for physical education and science. He was the eye candy for all young girls. Larry would always put the boys in their place if they were being bullies to the girls. They found out pretty face who not to mess with. I have great memories of my teen years with Larry at school and it’s sad he’s no longer with us. My prayers will be with your whole.
Lise, Jamie, Ian, Kaitlyn et Famille Guimond et McKay
Veuillez accepter nos plus sincères sympathies. Perdre un époux/ papa/ grand-papa est une épreuve difficile à surmonter. Nos pensées et nos prières sont avec vous dans ces moments de tristesse.
May my support
warm your heart
Lise et famille
Nos sincères condoléances pour la perte de Larry.
Georgette Harvey
Diane Harvey et Daniel Roy
The McKay family
Our sincerest condolences to the McKay family.
Larry truly wanted the best for his students, and many times, he quietly went above and beyond.
His friendship and legacy won't be forgotten.
The McKay family
I'm so sorry for your loss. Mr McKay was my gym teacher thru high-school along with coaching me in the girls softball league. He will surely be missed by all who had the privilege to be taught by him.
The McKay Family
Every now and then an extraordinary individual comes along and gives an enormous amount to their community. Larry was one of those people.
It didn’t matter whether it was in his capacity as a teacher, town representative, coach or a game official, Larry gave it his all and as a result, KLDCS and Kirkland Lake had the best when it came from him.
Larry was an exceptional teacher. He was the type of person who was always willing to give a student a second chance when they slipped up. When he spoke of teaching, it was often with a smile and a glint in his eye, especially when it came to students with learning disabilities. He had both patience and empathy for these students and his kindness would shine through. He believed in their abilities despite their limitations and showed pride in their accomplishments.
I was fortunate enough to work with Larry for 20 years. He and I would often start our work day together as I’d catch him walking down Allen Avenue, stop the car and he’d appreciatively hop in. Those three of four minutes were often the only chance we’d have to exchange a few words before our hectic day began. I have to tell you, Larry certainly made my job a lot easier. He was never one to bend the rules nor did he have double standards. He never expected something of me that he himself would not put forth. I like that in a person…super qualities to posses when teaching young minds as well. If Larry said he would do something for you, you could always depend on him to follow through. His attendance was impeccable and his work ethic was second to none.
After Larry retired and Covid made its debut, finding substitute teachers was next to impossible. Larry rarely turned me down, (although golf did pose a threat from time to time) even when the call was half an hour prior to class start up. Lise would field the numerous calls and I eventually earned the title of being Larry’s work wife. A title I am now proud to own. Thank you Lise for your sense of humour and tolerance. Larry was a great friend and will be missed by both Gino and I.
Please accept my condolences.
May my support
warm your heart
THE MCKAY FAMILY
We were very sad to learn that Larry has passed away. Larry and Bernie were colleagues during their many years teaching at KLCVI and became friends who had a mutual respect and admiration for each other. Larry will be fondly remembered by staff and former students of KLCVI as well as parents and the people of Kirkland Lake and surrounding area. To his family we offer our sincerest sympathy, and to Larry's wife Lise and all the Guimond family, our condolences on the passing of Noel Guimond.
Bernie and Tanya Jaworsky
Mr. Mckay’s Family
Mr. Mckay was definitely one of my favourite teachers, when I think back to my high school days I often think of him and his witty sense of humour.
Lise and Family
We are so sorry to receive the news of Larry’s death. He always had those qualities that made him an exceptional educator and important contributor to the wonderful school environment in both schools he taught in. When he joined the PE department at KLCVI so many years ago we knew we had a good one! Enthusiastic, caring , a leader, compassionate, and always with a quick sense of humour- he was not only a great teacher to his students but also their friend. A wonderful characteristic!!
He was also an important friend, colleague and respected contributor to the community and will be missed deeply by all those who had the opportunity to know him. Your loss is shared by so
many .
Our condolences to the family at his loss - Brian and Gale
Lise and family
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. You are in our hearts and prayers.
Margo Lafrance and family
May my support
warm your heart
Lise & family as well as Extended families
My sincere condolences to all in the passing of one of the great guys. You are certainly in my thoughts at this difficult time, but remember Lise he will always be with you in the great memories he is leaving behind.
R.I.P. Larry
The McKay family
My condolences go out to his immediate family foremost then his school family. I had the opportunity to work as an EA with Larry a few times in the yrs I worked for the Board of Ed from 2011-2016. He was a very funny man and he had very good repertoire with the students. RIP Larry Mr McKay
The McKay and Guimond Families
We are saddened by Larry's passing and wish to extend our sincere condolences to the family during this time of loss. I recall fondly the years Larry and I were teammates on the DRK Men's Slow-pitch team and Larry was a prominent figure whenever that group got together on the ball field or at social gatherings. God Bless!
Lise and family
We are so very sorry for your loss. There are no words to adequately convey our condolences. You are in our thoughts.
Don and Vivi Mervyn
Lise and family
I am so sorry for your loss. I hope the memories you have will come to wrap you in warmth, and ease the loss you feel.
Lise and Family
Our condolences on the passing of Larry. Larry gave many hours of his time umpiring women's slowpitch and I am grateful for the memories.
Francine and Dean Archer
Lise, Jamie, Ian, Kaitlyn and families,
So saddened to hear of your loss. Please know many thoughts and prayers are with you during this so very difficult time.
Sincere condolences,
Paul and Dolores Lynch
The McKay Family
I began my journey at KLDCS the year Mr. McKay retired. I never had him as a coach or gym teacher, but he supplied taught quite a few of my classes, and he refereed almost all of my basketballs games during my time as a KLDCS devil. Mr. McKay was nothing short of a legend. Every student knew who he was, but most importantly everyone respected him. Mr. McKay lived just down the street from us on First Street. Whenever we’d see him walking down Allen, my mum would always slow down to offer him a ride, and most times he accepted. I remember one time, my mum and Mr. McKay were in the front seat, and I was in the back, and I had the hiccups. Mr. McKay turned around and yelled to try and scare the hiccups away, but he also managed to scare my mum which led to all of us having a good laugh.
I was a member of the Kirkland Lake Photography Club when they held the Fresh and Familiar Faces exhibit in 2019. Right away I knew I needed to photograph Mr. McKay, and of course it had to be in the KLDCS gym. I knew the everybody, young and old, would recognize Mr. McKay in the exhibit.
Mr. McKay taught me a lot in the short period of time I knew him. I will always remember him as a kind and thoughtful man, always putting others first. May he rest in peace.
Lise, Jamie, Ian & Katie
We will miss Larry and ever remember his warmth , kindness , humour and his great heart. These wonderful attributes are carried on by his children. Lise, hopefully you will find some comfort in the words of a song by the Rankin Family..”we rise again in the faces of our children, we rise again in the voices of our sons…”
Lise & family
Lise, I am so very sorry for your loss. Thinking of you and sending you hugs.
Kaitlyn and McKay family
Please accept our sympathies. Larry was a stand up guy, coach referee and mentor. RIP Larry
