We Remember
MCKANE, Leslie “Luke”
—
1935 – 2021
“Luke” Leslie McKane was born June 9, 1935, in Dryden, Ontario. We are saddened our dear dad passed on April 24, 2021, in Kelowna, BC. Work colleagues know him by Luke; he is known to family and friends as Les. Predeceased by his devoted wife and love of 50 years, Phyllis; parents Robert and Lillian; and brother Ted, he is survived by brothers Edmund (Judy) and Jack (Joan); and three children Susann (Rick), Kevin (Kathy) and Maureen (Gus); grandchildren Jessie (Dana), Shalla (Miguel), and Robbie; nephew Grant (Barb); and two great-granddaughters Katie and Poppy. He also leaves behind his loving partner Carole and many nieces, nephews, and relatives in BC and Thunder Bay.
Dad joined Port Arthur Utilities in the 1950s which started his long career as a lineman. He continued his career in the line trade in BC having worked on most major power construction projects in the province. He also had a consulting business for many years, and he continued to work until he was 80 years old. A longstanding member of the IBEW, the author of the trades training program in BC. He was always firm but fair and generous with his time in helping others. Dad was a fearless pioneer in the use of helicopters in power construction, having logged more flying hours than many pilots. Dad’s work took him to Alberta, Nova Scotia, Brazil and Maui, New York and California.
When he was younger, Dad’s family moved to Fort William, Ontario (Thunder Bay) where he played competitive junior hockey, and at one time was approached by the Boston Bruins. He loved his Vancouver Canucks and enjoyed coaching minor hockey. Dad was a talented renovator and builder; he built our family cabin on the lake in Thunder Bay, as well as a cabin for his parents. He was creatively gifted as a sign painter, artist, and stained-glass maker and his crazy cartoons kept us laughing. He was always on the go, high-spirited, genuinely interested in people and was a great conversationalist. He was also an avid golfer and former member of the men’s club at Surrey Golf Club.
There are so many funny stories to be told, a treasure trove of his hilarious sayings, he was one of a kind. Dad was a faithful believer. He was good man and loved very much by his family and friends and anyone who knew him well. Dad will be loved and missed by so many.
We are grateful to all the nurses, doctors and staff at Kelowna General Hospital 6W.
Due to Covid-19 restrictions, there will be no service. Donations in Dad’s memory can be made to the Alzheimer Society of BC.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
Our deepest condolences to all of you in the family of Les. Life goes past very fast, but memories go on forever . You all were very Lucky to get lots of those with Les.
With love
Mikko, Christian and Johanna.
My deepest sympathy to all family and friends of Les. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us everyday. Unseen, unheard but always near, so loved, so missed, so very dear.
Susan, Kevin ,Maureen & family our deepest condolences go out to you all. Our family’s go back a very long ways.Les ,( Luke )was a very dear friend and will be sadly missed.
Love Bruce & Elaine
To his family and ours. He was a wonderful brother and we will remember all the good times, He was our best man at our wedding and I at his. As his brother I will miss the sound of his voice and laughter and his big smile. Growing up we were close as we grew older only the miles kept us apart. Les, rest in peace your work here is complete and well done. We will love and remember you for the rest of our days. Joan and Jack
My earliest recollection of Les was when I turned 3 and receiving 3 spanks for each year. Les and I were very close as young kids, it was a quick hop up on the cross bar .and off we went on his bike. Les taught me how to ride under the crossbar when I was about 7 and he fixed up and old bike for me when I was 8 so that I could finally have a bike of my own. Les also
saved me from drowninand a jumpg when I was 11, We got few presents as kids but Les always bought me a new shirt for Christmas in high school. (My brother Jack was very generous as well). Les took me in for a month when I resettling in BC in 1967. He visited me in the hospital regularly when I was under going cancer operations for 6 weeks in 1979.
I will always love you Les and remember you fondly, your brother Dunk.
Sorry to hear about your loss. Luke was a legend. I was very fortunate to have met him
I am very sorry for your loss and wish your family strength during this difficult time.
Tracy Gray, Member of Parliament, Kelowna – Lake Country
My deepest sympathy to all the family. Luke was my boss and one of the best. Just his presence in the office made for an enjoyable work environment. He will be missed but not forgotten.
” What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.” Helen Keller
We are sorry for your loss. Luke was a great man whom we had great respect for. We both worked for BC Hydro and our association with him goes back some 40 years. Our thoughts are with you.
Hyro