John "Jack" David McKelvey

As the sun rose, in the early morning hours of April 1, 2024, Jack McKelvey passed away peacefully with his daughter Jennifer by his side at Douglas Campbell Lodge in Portage la Prairie, MB at the age of 93 years. 

Left to mourn dad’s passing is his wife of 64 years, Marlene; daughter Jennifer (Curtis) Livingstone and two grandchildren Bradley and Brandi Livingstone.   He also leaves in his passing nephew Brad McKelvey (Lee) and great nephews Dan and Erik from Victoria, BC.   Jack was predeceased by his son Stephen McKelvey, brother James “Jimmy” McKelvey and parents Dave and Ruby McKelvey.

Dad was born in Cartwright, MB.  He attended school there and later took over the family farm after the sudden passing of his father in 1965.  In 1983 he moved on from farming to groundskeeping at the Boissevain Golf Course.   In his younger years dad loved playing hockey and never shied away from a “good fight” on the ice.  He also played baseball.  Goose and duck hunting with Delmer and Danny Robinson, along with his American hunter friends was a favourite past time.

Dad and Mom retired from Cartwright to Portage la Prairie in 2000 to be closer to my family, especially the grandkids.  They spent the majority of there years living at Odd Fellow Towers apartment complex, where they met and made many great friends.  Dad enjoyed his coffee group at Tim Horton’s, and made a lifelong friend with the late Ben Wiebe. Mom and Dad spent endless hours enjoying Portage’s Island Park, most summer evenings you would find them sitting on a bench watching the wildlife.   This was their favourite spot to end the day.

In January 2023, dad suffered a fall, and his mobility was compromised, and Mom could no longer support his needs in the home, so he moved to the Foyer Notre Dame in March of 2023.  He then returned to Portage in July of 2023 to Douglas Campbell Lodge Personal Care Home.

Dad enjoyed music and his radio playing was a constant in his room, all the old-time tunes Lawrence Welk Show, Charlie Pride, Tommy Hunter and Elvis.  He also enjoyed singing hymns and loved a good ol’ sing-along.  His ultimate favourite was listening to or attending a fiddling concert. He was able to enjoy many live local fiddling music events here in Portage.

My Mom and I would like to thank both the Foyer Notre Dame and Douglas Campbell Lodge staff for their care and compassion to dad over the last year.   The DCL staff who attended to dad in his last few days were angels in disguise, your support was so appreciated, and your care and kindness will never be forgotten.

I would personally like to thank everyone who has supported both my parents over this last life-changing year.  You are all appreciated so much for all your kind deeds.

Dad, Rest in Peace – I am sure a good snooker game is awaiting you in heaven with Stephen and Uncle Jim, Good Luck!  You will need it playing against those two!

A graveside service will be held at a later date at the Cartwright Cemetery.

As expressions of sympathy, donations may be made in Jack’s memory to the Cartwright and Area Foundation Inc. Box 249 Cartwright, MB R0K 0L0.

A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel.  www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com