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Orville McKay Obituary
Orville H. McKay, 96, of Midland, died Sunday, Oct. 3, 2010, at his residence. He was born on Oct. 9, 1913, in Croswell, the son of the late Herbert W. McKay and Iva M. (Perry) McKay. He lived the first 17 years of his life in Croswell, where he attended both elementary and high school and graduated salutatorian of his class. Orville's college training was received in Asbury College, Wilmore, Ky., where he received his A.B. degree cum laude in english and psychology. He took his seminary training in Asbury Theological Seminary and Drew Theological Seminary, receiving his seminary degree from Drew summa cum laude. He continued his studies at Drew University and received his Ph.D. Orville was also awarded the Deleplaine-McDaniel Fellowship for study abroad, which he did in Oxford University.
In August 1935 he married Mabel Coppock. Their 63 years together took them to pastoral appointments in New York, Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin, and the chaplaincy of the U.S. Army Air Corps. Dr. McKay served the First United Methodist Church in Midland from 1951-1965 when the church grew to become the largest Methodist church in Michigan. Under his leadership a second United Methodist Church (Aldersgate) was founded in Midland. From Midland he became president of Garrett Theological Seminary in Evanston, Ill. After serving at Garrett he became the senior minister of the Cargill United Methodist Church in Janesville, Wisc.; this was the largest United Methodist Church in Wisconsin. Members of the First United Methodist Church and the Cargill United Methodist Church, together with friends and family, established the Orville H. McKay Endowed Scholarship Fund in Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, Ill. This scholarship fund assists qualified students in their preparation for the ministry. He served on numerous boards and agencies of the United Methodist Church. For a number of years he was the chairman of the Detroit Annual Conference Board of Ministerial Training, responsible for candidates for the ministry.
Dr. McKay's personal hobbies were racquetball, photography, reading and carpentry. He and Mrs. McKay had a mutual love of traveling which took them all over the United States, Canada and 31 countries of the world. The McKays returned to Midland in 1980 for their retirement. His retirement was very active. Dr. McKay served in an interim capacity involving ten appointments during his retirement. He was a past member of the Kiwanis, Rotary, the Torch Club and the Masons.
Dr. McKay's wife, Mabel, predeceased him. He is survived by three daughters and sons-in-law, Gwendolyn Wasmuth of Lake Forest, Ill., Janeth and Amherst Turner of Ann Arbor, and Kathleen and William Gilbert of Grand Rapids. He is also survived by five grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
The funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m., Thursday, Oct. 7, 2010, from the Midland First United Methodist Church, with The Rev. Dr. Brent McCumons, and The Rev. Dr. William Mate officiating. Interment will be in Midland Cemetery. Visitation will be at the Wilson MILLER Funeral Home on Wednesday from 4-7 p.m. Memorials may be offered to Lake Louise Christian Community, designated for the construction of the McKay Lodge, at Lake Louise United Methodist Camp, 11037 Thumb Lake Rd., Boyne Falls, MI 49713, or to the charity of choice. Personal messages of condolence may be left with www.wilson-miller.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Orville McKay
Linda A Schramm
October 28, 2010
Gwen, Jan & Kathy,
I celebrate the life your father lived and and the number of lives his life affected. My dad was treasurer of Midland 1st during the time Mac served there, and remember around our household dad always referred to him as Mac. We as a family always sat on the pulpit side, about six rows back.
I remember he gave the benediction from the back of the sanctuary, and the sound his shoes would make on that side aisle as he walked to the back of the church to do it.
Being a part of Midland 1st during the years of your dad's ministry there has been a defining part of my life, and I'm thankful that your family was a part of it. Linda (Rinn) Schramm
Jane Barry Weissgerber
October 28, 2010
To Gwen, Jan and Kathy, Your father was a kind, dedicated, and very accomplished gentleman! It was an honor to know both of your parents, and I was honored to have him officiate at my husband's and my wedding in January '65. (There was a blizzard and he helped push cars out after the ceremony.) I will never forget how caring he was.
October 7, 2010
Gwen, Jan, and Kathy - I am so sorry to hear about your Dad's passing. You had wonderful parents who impacted so many of our lives in Midland. I will never forget your Mom teaching the Confirmation Class and your Dad's sermons still have an inpact on me today. He was the BEST. Sandra Dosser Conner (East Lansing, Mi)
Clara Jane Bidwell
October 7, 2010
Gwen, We just learned of the passing of your dad. He was such a great man. He married us 50 years ago this past July. We were also in school with you. You and your family will be in our prayers as you go through this time.
Clara Jane and Dick Bidwell
Tom & Liz Limberg
October 7, 2010
Gwen: I still remember your Dad leading us through the confirmation class a life time ago. Your Dad was truly a one-of-a-kind man. I am thankful to have known him. During the time that my Mother lived at Stratford Village, your Dad would visited her, and she always looked forward to their discussions of the Bible. Likewise, while Liz's Dad lived at Riverside we'd see him frequently and have very pleasant conversations. Your Dad will always be remember for the kindness, love and contributions he shared with his fellow man.
October 6, 2010
Dear Gwen, Jan and Kathy,
I remember your mother and father with great fondness, I was sorry to hear of your dad's passing.
Your dad's sermons had a great impact on many of us that grew up with his teachings. He will always be remembered as one of Midland's best.
My mother passed away 2 weeks ago, so I am sure she is catching up with your mom and dad. She thought so much of your parents.
You are in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless You all.
Mary (Smick) Kressler
October 6, 2010
Gwen -
The notice of your father's death was passed to me by Kaye (Baker) Kelley. I'm sorry for your loss. He is back together with your Mom and they are being held in the warm, loving arms of God.
Peace be with you and your family.
Aloha,
Larry Loose
Kailua, Hawaii
Judy Anne McNamara Martin
October 6, 2010
Dear Gwen, Jan, and Kathy,
Our sincere prayers are with you. You were truly blessed with lovely parents.
As you recall, mom helped teach the confirmation class, and was a teacher there at the church, for many yrs.
You father, was a great man, and a great teacher. You folks are truly blessed with lovely memories of your folks.
Kathy, you will truly be blessed in reading all the mail that your lovely father received in the mail.
You are truly in our prayers,
Judy Anne McNamara Martin, and Howard Martin, TN.
Margot Wiley
October 4, 2010
Gwen
I was so very sorry to hear of your father passing.
He was one of the best ministers I have had the priviledge of hearing. His sermons were always centered on real life situations related to the teachings of the bible.
Ofcourse, I remember when you first moved to Midland and we became friends.
So happy we were able to connect at the class reunion.
We send our condolenses to you and your sisters. We are in San Francisco.
Margot and Jon
David Kingsley
October 4, 2010
Gwen, Kathy, and Janet,
Your Dad was such a wonderful minister and human being. I stopped to see him briefly about 4 months ago, and we had an exciting and joyful conversation. He lived the essence of a full life when the rest of us often just dream.
My Mon and Dad had the highest respect for our "Dr. McKay." He was a blessing to all of us. You are in our prayers.
Love,
David and Judy Kingsley
Kalamazoo
Susan VanHaften
October 4, 2010
I remember Dr. McKay with great fondness. He was inadvertently responsible for one of my family's most interesting stories. In 1964 I was sitting in the 5th row, along with my father & brother. Dr. McKay was preaching a sermon about children honoring their parents & parents honoring their children. My father turned to me & said "If you ever get all A's at MSU, I will walk to East Lansing." 3 years later I did. I didn't believe he would walk to East Lansing, but he & my mother did. We all had Dr. McKay to thank for this walk that none of my family will ever forget. I told this story at my father's memorial service in 2003 & again at my mother's in 2008. Your father was a remarkable man.
Larry Schambers
October 4, 2010
Gwen. Even tho I did not know your father well, I do remember you with fondness. We were in the high school band together and had many mutual friends thru music. Good luck to you in the future. Larry Schambers - email is [email protected]. Let me know how you are doing.
October 4, 2010
To the Family of Dr. Orville McKay,
I learned today of his passing and wanted to express my deepest sympathy. He was a wonderful man and the one I credit with starting me on my Christian journey. Dr. McKay baptitized & confirmed me. I remember singing in the youth choir, memorizing The Lord's Prayer, 23rd Psalm & Ten Commandments to receive a white Bible from him (which I still have). I can't hear "How Great Thou Art" without being reminded of him to this day. I thank God many times over for putting Dr. McKay in my life. I pray that he rests in the loving arms of Jesus and finds eternal peace. God Bless Dr. McKay and all those dear to him.
Joanne Hauri Smith
Traverse City, MI
William & Penny Church
October 4, 2010
Thank You Orville for all that you have done for me and many others in your life. You always had a smile for me and my girls. I will miss our time talking, and watching the world go by. Rest in Peace my friend, you have done all that was asked of you.
Pat Crane
October 4, 2010
Jan and Kathy-
I am so sorry. Your father was a wonderful man. You both are in my prayers.
Pat Conner Crane
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