Ira Blair McKeage

With heavy hearts and deep love, we announce the peaceful passing of Ira Blair McKeage on June 28, 2025, in Red Deer, Alberta, at the age of 88. Born on May 21, 1937, in High River, Alberta, Ira was the second son of Ronald and Irene (Bricker) McKeage. Ira’s roots ran deep in the rich soil of Gladys Ridge, where he spent his early years riding horseback to school, guided and protected by his older brother Clive. That place, and their bond, remained close to his heart for the rest of his life. Though his path eventually led him far from the quiet roads of Gladys, his heart never truly left. He spoke of it often and with great affection.

Ira's life was defined by love, family, hard work, and community. After graduating from Blackie High School in 1956, he began his working life in the oilfields of Alberta with Arrow Drilling, where he learned drilling rig operations from top to bottom. A serious illness and health scare in 1961 became a turning point, prompting him to pursue further education at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology. There, he graduated in 1963 from the Power Engineering Technology program, which laid the foundation for a career in Alberta’s industrial steam operations. His work took him to many facilities including the Calgary General Hospital, the Oliver plant in Edmonton, the Fort Saskatchewan Corrections steam plant, and ultimately the Husky Oil Refinery in Lloydminster.

But if industry was his work, his purpose was people. In 1967, he joined the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, beginning a 58-year journey of charitable service. Whether supporting families in need, mentoring new members, or organizing community initiatives, Ira gave generously of his time and heart. He also brought this same sense of advocacy to his workplace, proudly standing for the rights of working people through his leadership in the Energy and Chemical Workers Union, serving in various roles including Local President and long-standing member of the negotiating team.

At the center of Ira’s world was Sharon, the love of his life and partner of 66 years. They met in Bentley in 1959 and were married in 1963, a union filled with devotion, resilience, and joy. Together, they raised three children: Shauna Lee, Cameron, and Colin. Ira and Sharon built a life rooted in love and tradition, welcoming family, and friends into their home with open arms and warm hearts. In 2002, Ira retired from Husky Oil and pursued his dream of returning to the farming life. Their home outside of Lacombe became a gathering place, where memories were made, holidays celebrated, and grandchildren joyfully played under their loving care.

Family was Ira’s pride and joy. He is survived by his beloved wife Sharon, sons Cameron (Nadine) and Colin (Patricia), grandchildren Brianna (Krista), Blair (Bridget), Troy (Vincent), Erin (Jakob), Liam, Ava, and Pepper, son-in-law Lorne, and daughter-in-law Laura. Each of them brought him tremendous pride, and he never missed a chance to show them how proud he was or to cheer them on in their pursuits.

Ira also leaves behind his sisters, Lorna Musslewhite and Mary Ross (Ernie), brothers Frank McKeage and Allan McKeage (Chris), sister-in-law Barbara McKeage (Clive), brother-in-law Stan Wiese (Vivian), sister-in-law Shirley Ferguson (Grant), and a wide circle of nieces, nephews, extended family, and lifelong friends across Alberta. He is predeceased by his parents Ron and Irene, his treasured daughter Shauna Lee Conway (McKeage), his brother Clive, sister-in-law Barb McKeage (Frank), and his parents-in-law Allan and Velma Wiese.

To know Ira was to know strength, kindness, and humour. He was a storyteller and a steadfast friend. His was a life of integrity and deep affection for those he loved. A lifelong sports enthusiast, Ira found joy in playing, and cheering from the sidelines, especially when it involved his children and grandchildren. Whether it was a local game or a televised match, sports brought him closer to the people he loved most. His family will carry his values, his stories, and his enduring love of the game, and of life itself, with deep respect and unending love.

A Celebration of Ira’s Life will be held Friday, July 11, 2025 at 1:00 pm at Wilson’s Funeral Chapel in Lacombe. In lieu of flowers, donations in Ira’s memory may be made to a charity of one’s choice or to the BPOE #85, Red Deer.

Rest well, Ira. You will be forever missed and forever remembered. Until we meet again.

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