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CLARE HEALEY (BUTCH) MCKENTY
Date of Passing: Jul 14, 2025
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryCLARE HEALEY (BUTCH) MCKENTY
Suddenly but peacefully, Clare (Butch) McKenty passed away Monday, July 14, 2025. He died holding the hand of his beloved Esther, wife of 64 years.
He will be remembered by his children, Kevin (Diane), Ian (Kelly), Shannon (James), Colleen (Dave), and Brian (Dana) along with his grandchildren and their children, Deirdre (Chris; Harlo, Dorian, and Asher), Alastair (Danielle; Daphne), Kailey (Chad; Ava and Gavin), Gabriel (Ashley; Brynn and Jack), Katrina (Ryan), Lindsey (Michael), Taylor (Jared; Olivia), and Owen, as well as his brother, Bob (June) and in-laws, Ed (Adeline), June, Irvin, and Marge (Henry), and a plethora of nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by parents, James and Carrie, siblings, Bill and Ellen, parents-in-law, Fred and Elsie, and in-laws, Violet, Ron, Harvey, and Eleanor.
Butch was born in London, ON and grew up in Kitchener. While in school he was employed at Smiles & Chuckles (mmm Turtles!) and even while working daily after school, he achieved the Grade 12 Gold Medal in Mathematics. He then spent a year at Royal Military College in St. Jean, PQ which led to the RCAF. The seven years as a Navigator were the fulfilment of a life-long dream and he recounted those memories often.
He was stationed to Winnipeg in February, 1958 and early on, met Esther at a dance hosted by the RCAF to which invitation and transportation were offered to nursing students. Esther had just started her three years training and Butch transferred to BC but the romance culminated in an August, 1961 wedding and children followed closely. He was an active Dad; did some coaching and was a Scout leader, and took us on many car trips with camping on the way.
Clare started at Great-West Life in Winnipeg in 1964 and stayed for 36 years, mainly as an Underwriter. He was active in the Social Club, played fastball and curled in the company league. He had a lovely tenor voice that led him to several choirs like the St. Boniface Diocesan, The Winnipeg Philharmonic Choir (including once at Carnegie Hall), The Bison Men’s Chorus, The Good Neighbours Choir, and of course the choir of every parish of which he was a member. One of his proudest achievements was as a blood donor: he donated over 200 times and encourages everybody to try it.
Once retired, Clare and Esther travelled the world over. Sometimes they went on their own but often as members of The Friendship Force through which they made many friends.
Funeral Mass will be held Tuesday, July 22, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Redeemer Roman Catholic, 264 Donwood Dr.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 19, 2025
Condolences & Memories (8 entries)
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I was so sorry to hear of Clare’s passing. Please accept my sincere condolences! Clare was a very nice guy that I had a lot of respect for. He not only had a beautiful voice, he had a beautiful personality as well, and was well liked by all who knew him. - Posted by: Leslie Young (Co worker and member of the choir at Great West Life) on: Jul 25, 2025
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I am sending my deepest condolences to Esther, Kevin, Dianne, Deirdre,Chris and boys, and all who loved Clare. (Butch) I never had the privilege of getting to know him. I wish you all comfort and love while surrounded by those that love you. I hope you share laughter in memories as you share together. Laughter, love and grief go hand in hand as you move on the new path without your loved one. Sending love I had the privilege of working with Esther at HSC and the many years later my nephew and Deirdre fell in love and our families merged. With love and Kindness Aunty Sharon - Posted by: Sharon Kitchen (Worked at HSC with Esther and Aunt to Deirdre and Chris) on: Jul 22, 2025
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Sorry to hear about Clare’s passing. My condolences to the family. I worked with Clare for many years, he always had a smile. So helpful at all times. Phyllis - Posted by: Phyllis McKay-Harding (Worked at Great West Life) on: Jul 22, 2025
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Clare made his love and respect for Esther very obvious. Having heard his many ME sharings over the years (since the late ‘80s!), nothing mattered more to him than Esther and their ever-expanding family. It has been a privilege to share life together! Esther, this is a deep-felt loss, and we wish you and your family the hope, peace and strength of our comforting Lord as you navigate this new reality. Sending love and hugs your way. - Posted by: Baj and Marlene (Marriage Encounter. friends) on: Jul 21, 2025
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I am sorry to hear of Clare's passing. I worked with Clare at Great-West Life when he was an underwriter (I was in Group Insurance also) in the 1960's. Clare was kind and pleasant to work with. Condolences to his family. - Posted by: Diane Turner (Worked at Great-West Life) on: Jul 20, 2025
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Clare was a great guy whom I enjoyed working with at Great-West Life for many years. Great memories from our annual baseball game and barbecue at Clare and Esther’s. Rest easy sir. - Posted by: Earl Toews (Former co-worker) on: Jul 20, 2025
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I am so sorry for your loss Esther. My condolences to You and your Family. - Posted by: Lucy Hutchinson (Friend) on: Jul 19, 2025
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A wonderful person who I was blessed to call a friend. Rest in peace Clare. ❤️ - Posted by: Grant Tymchuk (Friend) on: Jul 19, 2025
