Charles Patrick "Chuck" McKay

1946 - 2015

Charles "Chuck"

Patrick McKay

August 25, 1946 -

April 5, 2015

A celebration of life for Charles "Chuck" Patrick McKay, 68, of Lakeside will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 2, at the Coos Art Museum, 235 Anderson Ave., in Coos Bay.

Chuck was born Aug. 25, 1946, in Eugene the son of Kenneth "Kenny" and Betty (Van Osdol) McKay. He died April 5, 2015, in Seattle. After his mother Betty's passing his father married Lela Perini.

Chuck lived and went to school in Eugene until 1956 when his family moved to North Bend. He played basketball as a dynamic guard for the North Bend Bulldogs and graduated in 1964 from North Bend High School where he was class treasurer. Chuck attended Southwestern Oregon Community College and was a member of the alumni association. In 2006 he was invited and honored to speak to the graduating class. Chuck also attended the University of Oregon in Eugene and received training at Shepler Refrigeration in Portland.

Chuck started McKay's Refrigeration, Construction and Consulting and worked as the lone refrigeration repairman for many years for the 25 McKay's Markets along the Oregon Coast and Willamette Valley. After many years of refrigeration work, he began working in the main office of McKay's Markets where he became president of McKay's Markets, Freshmart and Price 'n Pride. He retired in 2012 after 50 years of dedication to the company he loved so much.

Chuck was a Mason and Shriner and spent many years as a volunteer firefighter for the Lakeside Fire Department earning his EMT 1 certification. He enjoyed participating as a member of the Lakeside fire department in the annual 4th of July firework display not only for the general public but also for Camp Easter Seals on Tenmile Lake. He served on the board of the Coos Art Museum, Coos County Parks Advisory Board and was a member and board member of the Oregon Dune Patrol.

Chuck LOVED LIFE. He enjoyed traveling, water skiing, boating, scuba diving, snow skiing, hunting, fishing, gardening, wood and metal working and white water rafting especially on the Rogue River. He loved spending time with his many many friends and family. He loved entertaining at his home and having his friends and family enjoy being at the lake with him. He never met a stranger and could make friends anywhere and everywhere he went. Most of all he was so happy to be able to enjoy being retired. On Dec. 26, 2011 he married Shireda Mae Jensen his "SWEETHEART" of 40 years.

Chuck is survived by his wife, Shireda Jensen-McKay of Lakeside; daughter, Tammy Reeves and husband, Zack of Springfield; grandsons, Grant Kjar and Javin Reeves of Springfield; sister, Karen Wallace and husband, Gary of San Antonio, Texas; stepsister, Juanita Hensley of Cottage Grove; stepbrother, Kenneth Perini and wife, Jerrie; two aunts; 13 nieces and nephews; many cousins; and numerous close friends.

Contributions in his memory may be made to University of Washington Medical Center, 1959 NE Pacific St., Seattle, WA 98195; or to a charity of choice.

Special rooming rates are available to those attending the memorial. Please email mckaymemorial@gmail.com for room rate information.

Cremation rites have been held under the direction of Coos Bay Chapel, 541-267-3131.

Friends and family are invited to sign the on-line guest book, share photos and send condolences at www.coosbayareafunerals.com and www.theworldlink.com