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BORN
1927
DIED
2012
David McKay Obituary
Hudson - David P. McKay, 85, of Hudson, MA, formerly of Shrewsbury, MA, died on September 4, 2012, from complications of Alzheimer's disease. He leaves his wife of 59 years, Patricia; five children; two daughters-in-law and two sons-in-law; ten grandchildren and one great grandson.
David taught in the Humanities Department at Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Worcester, MA, for 37 years and retired as a Professor Emeritus in 1993. His& courses for undergraduates ranged from 19th-century English literature to music theory and composition. Very active as a composer,& David's published works& most often featured solo voices and the choir, and have been widely performed. The biography of American colonial composer William Billings which he& coauthored remains a standard reference work.& David served as an organist and choir director for several different area churches for 45 years.
David's family will gather to honor and remember him privately at a future date.& In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to a charity of your choice or The Worcester Chapter of the American Guild of Organists, P.O. Box 20208, Worcester, MA, 01602. & The Guild made David an honorary lifetime member in 1982.
Burial will take place at Mountain View Cemetery in Shrewsbury, MA.& Arrangements are being made by the William R. Short & Son Funeral Home in Marlboro, MA.
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Memories and Condolences
for David McKay
Bobbie Chase
September 25, 2012
Nick and I are so sorry to learn of David's passing. We recorded and broadcast many of his great musical compositions and were always impressed not only by his talents but also by his kindness and warm personality.
joyce hokans
September 13, 2012
Pat, I send you and all the family my deepest sympathy. There are many memories of David and all the family. Sending you peace and blessings, joyce hokans
September 10, 2012
Pat and family. I'm so, so saddend. The years singing under David's direction were some of the most fulfilling of my life. I was indeed fortunate. To me, his music, talent and wit were genius, and lucky us, that will never die. My thoughts are with you.
Carol Vella
Edmund & Dorothy Hayes
September 10, 2012
Pat, Dorothy and I are greatly saddened to learn of David's death. He was an exciting colleague and friend. WPI has lost a genuine pioneer. He alone developed its unique music program which gave creditability to the Humanities Department. With sympathy
Dana Levenson
September 9, 2012
Hello, Mrs. McKay and family.
It was with tremendous sadness that I learned of Mr. McKay's passing, but simultaneously I also felt very lucky to have known him, especially when Haden, Peter H. and I were spending time among Shrewsbury, Oakham and Worcester while we were students at WA. We could always count on Mr. McKay not only to say an enthusiastic "hello" to us but to inquire about what was going on in our lives. We also knew that Mr. Mcay, in addition to be a gentleman, was an intellect in search of either a Wagner opera being performed in Europe or an as yet undiscovered New England composer of music which needed to be discovered. May he rest in peace and with the satisfaction that he was responsible for a wonderful family.
Dana Levenson
Judith Fay
September 9, 2012
I am so very saddened to learn of Davids' passing. I send my sincere condolences to you and your family Pat
Judy (Whiting) Fay
September 8, 2012
Dear Pat and family,
Melissa and I remember your and David's kindness to us--your many dinner invitations and the good times we enjoyed with your family. And we honor his long commitment to teaching at WPI, especially his nurturing a creative and exciting music program which has grown magnificently from the seeds he planted.
With our warmest regards,
Lance and Melissa Schachterle
Douglas Weeks
September 8, 2012
Pat,
My condolences to you and your family. I have many fond memories of working and presenting programs with David for many years at WPI as well as the trip with both of you to eastern Europe in 1989.
Kathy and Rob Randall
September 7, 2012
Pat, May God bless you and your family during this time of loss. David was a wonderful person and a very talented musician. When he played the organ, you could hear the angels singing with him.
Salmon Hospice Care
September 6, 2012
Sincere condolences from us all. Thank you for allowing us to help care for David.
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