Obituary of Ormond Knight McKague

Ormond Knight McKague

Those whose lives have been touched by having known Ormond McKague will be saddened to learn of his death on June 5, 2017. His ashes will be strewn on the waters of Katepwa Lake in front of the cottage where he enjoyed so many satisfying times and joyous occasions. Born in east-end Regina on October 6, 1937 to Mabel (Ranson) and Frank McKague, Ormond went on to obtain advanced degrees in Canadian History, Educational Foundations and Piano Performance (where he studied with Gladys Angley).  With typical irreverence, he displayed his many diplomas in the bathroom at Taylor Beach, where they still can be found. Travel and experiencing other cultures were important to Ormond. This led to early trips to China, countries in Central America and in eastern Europe, along with longer stays in Paris and the south of France.  Despite his best intentions, and even  after spending a number of winters in Montreal, he never became as fluent in French as he wished to be. In addition to travel, Ormond read widely and appreciated various forms of music and the visual arts.  In pursuing his many interests, he acquired friends across Canada. Having grown up in the United Church, he would look back with fondness on national YPU conferences and the lifelong friendships he formed as a result. Values and beliefs derived from his parents and others encouraged him to lean politically to the left, to participate in social causes and to empathize with those on the margins, eventually motivating him to compile and edit, Racism in Canada, published in 1991.  As well, friendships formed from being a part of the gay community in Canada were very meaningful to him. As with others, Ormond grieved the loss of so many who died during the early years of the HIV-AIDS epidemic. He was considered an inspiring teacher, embracing innovative approaches to involving students in their own learning, often remaining a mentor and long-term friend to former pupils.  He began his career in education by teaching history and social studies in Regina hish schools.  Following the completion of graduate work, he moved to university teaching in Regina and Saskatoon, and finally to Winnipeg, where his last position was that of director of the Winnipeg Education Centre, which prepared teachers for work in multicultural, inner-city schools. When he returned to Regina in the mid-1990's, he became involved with a number of civic and social-issue organizations. Living in Regina brought him closer to  family, his brother Terence (Sheila) of Regina and their children Michael (Juliet) and Meredith (Richard) and children, Ava, Isabel, Liam and Stella, all of Saskatoon. Described by a Danish friend as an “exotic bohemian who enjoyed life', Ormond's great nieces and nephew held him somewhat in awe.
In recent  years, with the return of melanoma, he retreated to his sunny condo, one which reflected his eclectic tastes, relying on his brother to do his shopping, acquire his DVD`s, as well as the makings for his late afternoon martinis. Growing increasingly frail and with persistent shortness of breath, Ormond eventually became a patient in Palliative Care, where he died in hospital following a week-long stay.  Sheila and Terry were at his bedside as he peacefully died. In Ormond's memory,those so wishing are welcome to make a donation either to a charity of their choice or to to Carmichael Outreach, an agency supported by Ormond that helps those “struggling with addictions, poverty and health issues” at 1925 Osler Street, Regina, SK, S4P 1W3. Plans are being made for a summer gathering at the cottage, and another for friends, colleagues and loved ones in Saskatoon. We invite you to join us as we celebrate Ormond's life and honour the person whose memories we share. Online condolences may be left at www.paragonfuneralservices.com