Linda McKay-Panos

Linda McKay-Panos, passed away at home in Calgary, AB on Sunday, November 3, 2024. Linda was born August 28, 1957, in Regina Saskatchewan. She was the eldest of two born to Edward (Ted) and Mildred McKay. Linda enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, was involved with St David’s Church and in her later years embraced the role of family caregiver. Linda loved animals and had many dear pets throughout her life. Even though Linda’s health had not been great for years, she always found a way to ensure her family was looked after.

Linda was predeceased by her loving husband John in 2014 and her father Edward in 2022.

Linda is survived and will be greatly missed by her mother Mildred, son Nicholas, daughter Melanie, Grandson Jasper, brother Brian (Lori) and numerous cousins, niece’s, nephew’s and close friends.

Linda’s second family was her community at the ACLRC. Working there for 32 years, and as the Executive Director, she touched so many people’s lives.

Linda was a champion of Human Rights and Civil Liberties, first becoming a teacher and later a lawyer who achieved a J.D. and an LL.M. Her vast repertoire of published work included: access to justice, mental health, elder-care, restorative justice, and equality. Linda strongly supported Anti-Racism/Anti-Discrimination education.

In 2006, Linda won a discrimination complaint McKay-Panos v. Air Canada (F.C.A.). This led to scores of people having their disability needs met in air travel.

Linda’s legacy will live on through the students she taught and the colleagues she inspired by her passionate and selfless commitment to advancing human rights in Alberta and beyond. She was compassionate, and treated staff as family. She is irreplaceable in practice and in the hearts of staff, colleagues and students, past and present and indeed of everyone who has ever known her.

A Celebration of Linda’s Life will take place at St David’s United Church (3303 Capital Hill Crescent NW) on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, at 11:00 a.m., reception to follow. A Private Family Graveside Service to follow at Eden Brook Memorial Gardens. For those unable to attend in person, there will be a livestream link available below.

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