McKEE, WILLIAM “BILL” JAMES - Bill McKee, husband of the late Gladys Evelyn (Graham) McKee, passed away peacefully at Ridgewood Veterans Wing on Monday, January 2, 2012. He was born on April 28, 1925. Bill was a member of the Royal Canadian Navy serving aboard the HMCS Assiniboine and others during the Second World War from 1939-1945. After the war, Bill returned home to Saint John and worked at the Atlantic Sugar Refinery. He was then employed as a crane operator at Saint John Shipbuilding for 29 years. Bill loved music and proudly led the Caledonia Pipe Band as Drum Major for many years. Bill was also a lifetime member of the Chief and Petty Officer Mess of the HMCS Brunswicker as well as the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #58. He is survived by his sons: David (Yoko) of Montreal and Bob (Monica) of Saint John; daughters: Lynn Shelley (Tom) of Saint John and Gloria Youwe (Phil) of Kamloops, BC. He was a devoted grandfather to his seven grandchildren: Emiko Takeda (Alan) of Victoria, BC; Sachiko Takeda-McKee of Montreal, QC; Jesse McKee of Banff, AB; Kyle McKee of Saint John; Jamie Woods (Reg) of Belleisle Creek, NB; Kate Youwe of Auckland, NZ and Sam Youwe of Vancouver, BC. He is also survived by his sister Helen Hope of Saint John and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, James and sisters, Clementine and Jenny.
Resting at Brenan's Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John (634-7424) with visiting on Thursday from 7 to 9 PM, with the Royal Canadian Legion holding a short “Tribute to a Veteran Service” at 7 PM. The Funeral Service will be held from Brenan’s Chapel on Friday, January 6, 2012 at 2:00 PM. Interment will take place in Fernhill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, those who wish, remembrances to Ridgewood’s Van Fund or Bobby’s Hospice would be appreciated by the family. Online condolences and remembrances may be placed at www.BrenansFH.com.