Dorothy J. McKay

Dorothy J. McKay passed away on Saturday, January 18, 2014 on the approach to her 90th birthday. She was born Dorothea Jean Harrow on April 20, 1924 in Vancouver, BC, Canada, to James Joseph Harrow and Agnes (Whillans) Harrow. Dorothy met her future husband, Malcolm McKay, at a dance in White Rock. She married Malcolm in Ferndale on September 27, 1947. They lived and worked on Malcolm's family farm on Northwest Road. Two years later they purchased a home in Bellingham, where together they raised two children. She generously gave the gift of time to her family and friends. She enjoyed and appreciated the simple joys of life. Dorothy was witty, warm, generous, and even tempered. Her family was her greatest joy and she was their rock. Nothing brought her greater pleasure than when she became a Grandma. During her retirement years, she and Malcolm enjoyed touring the Canadian provinces and nearly all 50 states. They were members of the Bellingham Senior Center, and along with their friends, assembled the monthly newsletter. She faced life's difficulties with strength and her final days with courage. She was preceded in death by her parents, her first husband John Comish who was killed in World War II; her beloved husband of 57 years, Malcolm McKay; her son-in-law Hugh Gregory of Bellingham, and brother Ray Harrow of Langley, B.C. She is survived by her daughter Bonnie Gregory of Bellingham; son John McKay (Mi Hee) of Burlington; grandsons Shawn Gregory (Marcy) of Ferndale, Brian Gregory of Bellingham: great-granddaughter Jordan Gregory of Ferndale; sister Joyce Hopkins of Penticton, B.C.; special niece Gwen Hall (John) of Nakusp, B.C.; and many other special nieces, nephews, and friends. There will be a graveside service at Greenacres Memorial Park on Monday, January 27, 2014 at 1:00 PM with a memorial service to follow in the chapel at Greenacres at 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Bellingham Senior Center or a charity of your choice. For a complete obituary, and to share your thoughts and memories of Dorothy, visit www.farewelltributes.com.