If you are reading this and had the privilege of knowing Jesse McKay, our hearts are with you. His sudden passing has left so many hearts heavy, and we are all feeling that loss. We are hoping that the community, people that knew him, and friends can come together in these hard moments to support his family. Jesse’s family has so much to deal with at this moment, we can help support them, so they don’t have to deal with any added financial stress or burden.

As you all know, Jesse was an incredibly kind soul. He was always quick with a laugh, a smile, a joke. He was always there to help others. Jesse was well known in Port Edward as the young man who would walk door to door helping the elderly shovel snow, cut grass, and help others. He was a protector of his siblings, and those close to him. For such a young man, he assumed an incredible amount of responsibility and handled it well.

He was so excited when he got his first job unloading fish in Port Edward and to help out his family and friends by being able to provide them with fresh fish.

Jesse was also proud of his culture and his Nisga’a, Cree, Tlingit, and Dene heritage. During Aboriginal days at the school, you could see Jesse drumming and singing his Nisga’a songs loud and proud for all to hear.

Jesse also excelled in sports. He made it onto the wrestling team and did very well learning the sport. He talked often of his wrestling meets and his successes. He greatly enjoyed the team, his teammates, and the training. He spoke of it often to those who knew him.

This past summer, Jesse got his first job on a boat. He worked as the skiff man on the “Golden Chalice”. He was so proud to have such a fine job at a young age seining for salmon. He was so happy he was able to help provide for his family. Of course, as his friends also know, Jesse liked to ‘flex’ and his hard work paid off. Jesse could often be seen cruising around Port Edward on his longboard, adidas flip flops, and a cool outfit. Cruising around with a smile and a laugh for whoever he ran into.

I can’t write enough to describe what an amazing and fine person Jesse was. Everyone will have their stories and experiences of him. Hold those memories and stories close. Jesse has impacted the lives of so many people. Our hearts go out to you all.

We love you Jesse. Rest easy.

All proceeds from this memorial fund will be going to his immediate family in Port Edward to assist them with any expenses during this heartbreaking time. Myself, Thomas Barnett, and my wife, Katelyn Barnett, are putting this GoFundMe together. Jesse, Johnny, and his sister Natalie came by often as friends and became family. We have permission from the family to put on this fundraiser. Let us do what we can to show our love for Jesse and be there for his family.