Brandon, Manitoba
A Second World War veteran and Korea War veteran, Mr. McKaig was a member of The Royal Canadian Legion for more than 58 years. He was service officer at The Royal Canadian Legion Brandon branch No. 3, from 1988 until his retirement in 2001. Mr. McKaig continued to assist the new service officer with his duties and provided assistance to veterans with their applications for pensions, benefit entitlements, and pension appeals. Mr. McKaig also helped widows and widowers with burial arrangements and with their applications for benefits. Mr. McKaig was also a valuable resource for the branch office staff as he had extensive knowledge and understanding of government procedures. Upon receiving his Life Membership in the branch, Mr. McKaig continued to chair the Veterans Cemetery Trust Fund which he had established earlier, and continued to help with the maintenance of the grounds at the local cemetery. Mr. McKaig was instrumental in the formation and passage of the existing City of Brandon by-laws regarding burial in the Veterans' Cemetery. He was also instrumental in researching and locating the names of numerous unmarked veterans' graves in Brandon's Veterans Cemetery and ensured most were provided with proper headstones. Over the years, Mr. McKaig assisted veterans in acquiring temporary equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers and scooters. Mr. McKaig was recording secretary of the Poppy Committee for six years attending meetings far from home, at his own expense. In 2002, in recognition of his service to the Brandon Branch No. 3, Mr. McKaig was awarded The Royal Canadian Legion's Meritorious Serviced Medal.