Walter Mckee

The Manitoba Soccer Community Mourns the loss of Walt McKee, a highly respected figure in Manitoba soccer whose lifelong contributions as a player, coach, administrator, and mentor have left a lasting impact on the sport. Born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, McKee moved with his family to Nottingham, England, at the age of one before immigrating to Winnipeg in 1960-61 at the age 12. Raised in a passionate soccer family. He quickly established himself as a talented forward. With "fine ball control and a mean shot" to potentially to become a major offensive threat.

He represented Manitoba Selects and captured the Canada Soccer Football Championship (Challenge Trophy) in 1970 before excelling as a multi-sport athlete at the University of Manitoba, helping the Bisons win back-to-back Vanier Cup Championships in 1969 and 1970 while also competing in varsity soccer and wrestling. McKee went on to play four seasons in the CFL with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and Edmonton Eskimos, earning the 1972 Dr. Beattie Martin Trophy as the Western Division's Outstanding Canadian Rookie, leading the division in punting average in 1973 and 1974, and finishing his career as a member of Edmonton's 1975 Grey Cup championship team. 

Despite his success in football, soccer remained his lifelong passion. He played for Italinter Soccer Club, became a founding member of the Winnipeg Fury Soccer Club, served as Director of Player Personnel, assisted with the Canadian National Soccer Team in 1986, and earned his Canada Soccer Coaching A Diploma. As Athletic Director at the University of Manitoba from 1993 to 2001, he oversaw Bison teams that captured ten CIS national championships before co-founding the University of Manitoba Bisons women's soccer program in 1999 and serving as its inaugural head coach from 2005-2010, helping develop local talent, including future Olympic bronze medalist Desiree Scott. 

In recognition of his extraordinary contributions to the game McKee received the Manitoba Soccer Fred Stambrook Award of Merit in 2005, the Canada Soccer Award of Merit in 2010, and was named a Manitoba Soccer Life Member in 2011. His passion, leadership and commitment to developing the next generation of players will continue to be remembered throughout Manitoba's soccer community. 

A celebration of life will be held at Oakbank Bapist Church on Tuesday, August 18, 2026 at 2:00pm. 

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to a charity of your choice.