Earlier this week, the University of Manitoba community lost a dear friend and outstanding teammate and mentor, Walt McKee. A coach, administrator and student-athlete for the Bisons, McKee passed away at the age of 77 following a lengthy illness.
 
McKee was a fixture on the UM campus and in the community for over five decades. He earned his Bachelor of Physical Education degree in 1972, and was a member of the Bisons football, soccer and rugby teams during that time.
 
As a member of Manitoba's football program, McKee helped the Herd to back-to-back Vanier Cup titles in 1969 and 1970. The Bisons were the first and one of only three Canadian university teams to win a national title in two consecutive campaigns.  
 
In 1971, McKee was drafted by the CFL's Winnipeg Blue Bombers as a punter and kicker. The following year, he was the Canadian Rookie of the Year in the West, averaging 41.5 yards per punt. Overall, McKee played in the CFL from 1972-75, winning a Grey Cup with Edmonton in his final season.
 

Following his pro career, McKee dedicated his life to coaching and tutelage within the local sporting community. He was a founding member of the Winnipeg Fury Soccer Club – Canadian Soccer League (1986-90); an assistant coach of the Canadian National Soccer Team (1986) and served on numerous boards and provincial programs.
 
In 1993, McKee was hired as Athletic Director at the University of Manitoba in what was then the Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation Studies. He served in the role from 1993-2001, and during that time, Manitoba won ten CIS National Championships. He moved onto the responsibility of the Assistant to the Dean, Programs and Services for the Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation Studies from 2001 to 2007.
 
"Walt was a great, great man and outstanding Athletic Director. As Physical Education Coordinator in Winnipeg 1, Walt was my 'boss' when I was at Churchill High School, and then he hired me as Bisons head coach when he was Athletic Director at the University of Manitoba.  I owe so much to him, and I learned so much from him. I know there are countless others who will say the same thing," said Brian Dobie, head coach of UM's football program from 1996-2024.
 
"Walt was beloved and respected by all who knew him. He was self-assured and tough in the most humble way, and always carried himself with his 'patented' quiet strength and integrity. He was fair, honest, and transparent as our leader in Bison Sports. Every coach on staff at Manitoba always knew where they stood, and always knew that Walt had their backs. His support and care for our athletes was unwavering. Walt will always be remembered as such a true Bison, and above all, as a great friend."
 
In 2005, the Bisons women's soccer program began play in the Canada West conference. McKee started the program, alongside Gary Johnson. McKee served as the program's head coach until 2010, guiding Manitoba to a winning regular season record of 35-32-5, plus two playoff berths. Overall, he coached five Canada West All-Stars and one CIS All-Canadian, most notably Desiree Scott, who won three Olympic medals with Canada, including gold in 2020.
 
Throughout his time at the University of Manitoba, McKee earned the respect and admiration of all with whom he worked. He leaves a lasting legacy, and will be remembered for his compassion, character, kindness and friendship.
 
"Walt was a strong and fair leader who always looked at the big picture and had a philosophy of building consensus and working together. Walt was also well respected among his colleagues at both the conference and national levels. As one of our colleagues reminded me yesterday 'Walt didn't speak that often, but when he did, everyone listened,'" said Coleen Dufresne, Manitoba's women's basketball head coach from 1984-2001, and Athletic Director from 2001-2016.
 
"Throughout my career with the Bisons I reported to Walt when he was the A.D. and I was the basketball coach and then our roles reversed when I was the A.D. and he was the soccer coach. We had a great relationship built on mutual respect. More importantly, I valued the friendship we built over the years. We travelled together to conference and national meetings so we spent a fair amount of time together. He had a great sense of humour and was an excellent storyteller. Walt was always fun to be around, and a wonderful human being. May he rest in peace."