Robert Maurice McKay

Robert Maurice McKay May 1, 1921 - September 2, 2009 Robert M. McKay, Fruita, CO passed away September 2, 2009 at the Hospice Care Center, Grand Junction, CO, he was 88. Robert was born on May 1, 1921 in Rifle, CO, to Donald and Hallie May (Snyder) McKay. He spent his childhood in Rifle, Rio Blanco and Glenwood Springs, CO, graduating from Rio Blanco High School in 1939. He attended the Colorado State College in Fort Collins, CO receiving an Engineering Drawing Certificate. On November 10, 1946 he married Gertrude Mae Barnes in Glenwood Springs, CO; she preceded Robert in death on May 14, 1999. Robert entered service with the United States Army 199th Engineering Battalion in September 1942 through February 1946 and the U.S. Army National Guard, Monte Vista, CO in February 1950 through February 1952. Robert was an honorably discharged veteran having served in WWII and Korea. Robert was a member of the Crossroads United Methodist Church and Canyon View Vineyards Church and enjoyed the outdoors, fishing, hunting and antique furniture restoration. Survivors include three sons, Warren (Virginia) McKay of Grand Junction, CO; Darrel (Nickey) McKay of Fruita, CO and Bruce (Kat) McKay of Grand Junction, CO; a daughter, Donna (Jerry) Lund of Ridgefield, WA; a brother, Norvell James McKay of Rifle, CO; nine grandchildren, Audra Hughes of Silt, CO; Chelsey McKay of Grand Junction, CO; Tucker McKay of Mooresville, NC; Sooner Halvorson and Colter McKay, both of Grand Junction, CO; Michelle Dodson of San Jose, CA; Kristi Lund of Nampa, ID; Deanna Lund of Ridgefield, WA; Trevor Lund of MCBH Kaneohe Bay, HI and four great grandchildren, Stella and Mattie Halvorson both of Grand Junction, CO and Gracie and Austin McKay both of Mooresville, NC. Robert was preceded in death by his wife and a brother, Clyde Lindsley McKay. A memorial service will be held at 9:30 a.m., Friday, September 4, 2009 at Canyon View Vineyard Church with burial following services at Memorial Gardens Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Hospice & Palliative Care of Western Colorado, 3090B North 12th Street, Grand Junction, CO 81506 Arrangements are under the care and direction of Martin Mortuary.