Michael Eugene McMaster

On September 2020, Mickey (Michael) McMaster, a loving brother, father and grandfather, passed away at the age of 78. Mickey was born in April 1942 in Trail, BC to Hazel and Alvin McMaster. In July 1965, he married Pauline Elizabeth Schappy in Edmonton, AB. Together Mickey and Pauline raised three children, Sean, Heather and Melanie. After rising through the management ranks at the Alberta Liquor Control Board, Mickey, Pauline and Melanie moved to Red Deer in 1985 where he became an active member of the Red Deer community.

Mickey, passionate in life, loved coaching hockey, volunteering for humanitarian causes and being a helpful friend to all of those in his circle. He was known for his love of talking and drinking coffee with his pals early mornings at Mickey D’s. He spent countless hours taking his children to all of their events (school, scouting, sports, dancing, hockey) and was their biggest fan and cheerleader. Mickey loved his grandchildren and was an active participant and supporter of all their passions. He was truly a great grandfather. He loved his wife and was her best friend until she passed away in 2007 after 42 years of marriage. Often being the loudest in any  room, Mickey always had a twinkle in his eyes, an  infectious smile, a kind and compassionate spirit, with bad jokes, and tall tales. Mickey, a master of persuasion, lead his friends at Manor Village (where he lived for the last few years)  to participate in crib, scrabble and lots of chatting exploring the glory of elderly life. Found many true, and good relationships, touching the hearts of everyone.

He had a life-long love affair with deviled eggs, roast beef and chicken, peanut butter and mayonnaise. He subjected his children to cheez whiz sandwiches and spanish rice but they paid him back with quiche and dim sum. He surely loved his food even though he considered black pepper an exotic spice.

He will be lovingly remembered by his children, Sean (Tamara), Heather and Melanie (Andrew). Mickey will also be forever remembered by his six grandchildren, Jarrod, Thibaud, Julien, Brook, Sawyer and Wyatt; his siblings will also carry him in their hearts, Johnny (Dawn), Bobbie, Mary, Sam and Margaret (Charlie); as well as numerous numerous nieces, nephews and extended family and dear friends. Mickey was predeceased by his parents; his wife, Pauline; his sister, Patricia; and his first grandchild, Nigel.

A Celebration of Life will be held later this fall (in person and online) followed by an internment at the Alto Rest Cemetery beside Pauline so they can be together again. Information about the Celebration of Life may be obtained by contacting mcmasterfamily2020@gmail.com.

Memorial donations in memory of Mickey can be made to the Canadian Red Cross at 1305 11th Ave SW, Calgary AB, T3C 3P6 or at www.redcross.ca/inmemoryofmickey.


The family would also like to thank all of the staff at the Manor Village, the Rockyview General Hospital and the South Health Campus who took great care of him whenever he was in need. Mickey will be missed by his many friends at the Manor Village and hopes that they will use the scooters to get out and enjoy life.