David Glenn McKay

1939 - 2011

David Glenn McKay obituary, 1939-2011, Flagstaff, AZ

David Glenn McKay

1939 - 2011

BORN

1939

DIED

2011

David McKay Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Feb. 11, 2011.
David passed peacefully in Phoenix on February 10, 2011. He was born in Gadsden, AL on February 24, 1939. Soon after, his family moved to Ajo, AZ where he spent his youth growing up with his three brothers Jim, John and Bill. He graduated from Ajo High School in 1957 and went on to play quarterback as a student athlete for the Gila Monsters of Eastern Arizona College. McKay received both his bachelor's and master's degrees from Northern Arizona University (Arizona State College). He retired after 35 years of service to the Flagstaff Unified School District where he served as principal of Thomas Knoles Elementary School (1987-98), Principal of Christensen Elementary School (1982-87), assistant Principal of Christensen and Killip Elementary Schools (1976-82), title III coordinator (1973-76), assistant Principal of Mt. Elden Elementary School (1968-73), Flagstaff Schools first elementary guidance counselor (1966-68) and science teacher for Flagstaff Junior High School (1963-66). David proudly founded Big Brothers of Northern Arizona in 1968 and served as its executive director for 40 years. In 2000, Governor Jane Dee Hull appointed McKay to the Citizens Clean Election Commission where he served out his five year term. In addition, McKay served as a member of the investigative committee for the Arizona Dental Board during the same time period. David is survived by his wife of 46 years, Kay; son Gibson and daughter-in-law Rebecca; son Paul and daughter-in-law Heather; and five grandsons Jack, Finn, Sam, Charlie and Zach. Services will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, February 19th at the Little America Grand Ball Room (2515 E. Butler Ave., Flagstaff). Directly following the service, a ceremony and tree planting will be conducted at Thomas Knoles Elementary School (4005 E. Butler Ave., Flagstaff). In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation be made to Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Northern Arizona (1338 W. Forest Meadow Rd. #130, Flagstaff, AZ 86001). Family and friends are encouraged to share their memories of David by visiting the online obituary Guest Book at www.ALMoore-Grimshaw.com or www.mem.com. Arrangements under the direction of A.L. Moore-Grimshaw Bethany Chapel, Phoenix, AZ.

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February 2, 2012

Adelita Gonzales posted to the memorial.

February 1, 2012

Julia Carboni posted to the memorial.

February 24, 2011

Seth Montoya posted to the memorial.

Adelita Gonzales

February 2, 2012

I am so sorry for your loss David was such a good person. He was fair and caring. I don't know how to express how he will be missed. Bless you.

Julia Carboni

February 1, 2012

We were really sorry to hear about this loss. Our condolences to the entire McKay family and especially Kay. She and Dave touched our lives in innumerable ways and we will be forever grateful to them for bringing us together. Darren and Julia Carboni

Seth Montoya

February 24, 2011

We are sorry for your loss. Mr. McKay was a fair and caring educator. He led a great school at Knoles. I was fortunate enough to speak to Mr. Mckay before I left for the U.S. Army in 2008. Due to great educators like himself, education and learning became an important part of my life. I still remember sitting in his office. He will be missed.

-Seth Montoya Knoles Knight 1989-1995

Paul Kirchoff

February 22, 2011

Paul, Gib and Mrs. McKay- I was sad to hear about your loss. I don't think any other person or family mirrored our own including your dad/husband with my own father. They were friends and much alike. And as time will heal your wounds, I hope that you will be grateful for the time you were allowed with such a great husband, father and man. He was someone admired in all aspects of life and so will be missed by many. God bless and my sincere gratitude for all of you being an influence in my own life. A truly amazing family.

Dan Lawrence

February 22, 2011

Dave McKay was an oustanding person. It was my priviledge to coach Paul in High School Basketball at Flagstaff High School. Paul was an outstanding young man, an excellent student, and was a tough competitor. I am sure he got that from Great Parents. All children should have aparent as Great as Dave & Kay McKay!!

Linda Gilbert

February 20, 2011

Dear Kay,
Having known you and Dave in Flagstaff through the Boys and Girls Club school-based mentoring program was a unique honor for me. I send heartfelt sympathetic thoughts to you and your family.

Larry Rogers

February 20, 2011

Although I'd seen David only a few times, at reunions, since 1959, I have many fond memories of him in Ajo High School as a classmate and the sports we engaged in and later for one semester at what then was EAJC. To his entire family we offer our sincere condolences and you all are in our prayers.

Jay Verkamp

February 20, 2011

Mrs. McKay, Paul, and Gibby, I was really sad when I heard about your loss. Mr. McKay had a very positive effect on my life and if I end up having a child I know I'll draw on the time I spent in his presence as a model for how I'd like to treat my kids. He was always enjoyable and fun to be around, as well as being a role model for the type of man I wanted to be. I thought about all of you a lot today and this week. Sincere regards, Jay Verkamp

Beth & Ron Weaver

February 19, 2011

Kay and Family,
We were sorry to hear about your loss. Dave was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. We feel blessed to have known him. You will be in our thoughts during this difficult time.

Joel & Jeanne Guerrero

February 19, 2011

Kay and family,
We're so sorry to hear the news of David's death. We have such fond memories spending time with you while we were at NAU...those 2 years were some of the best of my life because of you both. We've always considered the McKays as a very special family and we feel blessed to have known David. We will miss David so very much. God bless you Kay, please let us know if we can do anything for you. Much love,

February 19, 2011

Kay and family,
Bob and I were very sorry to hear about Dave's passing. We were glad to have seen him and talked with him at the gathering at the Wrigley Mansion. He was a great asset to the Flagstaff community and will be missed by many. We send our deepest condolences and will keep all of you in our thoughts and prayers at this most difficult time. Bob and Dolores Schrader

Adele Verkamp

February 18, 2011

Dear Kay, Gibby and Paul..I believe I know your sadness as I shed my own tear. As I treasure my memories, a smile will appear. I have a favorite photo I wish to share with all. With Love and Fondness....Adele

February 18, 2011

Kay, Gibby & Paul, We are sorry for your loss as well as a great loss to the community. Dave touched us in many ways, he will be missed greatly. Candee & John Croslin, Flagstaff

Alice Kirchoff

February 18, 2011

My heart goes out to you for your loss. David made a difference in so many lives.
He will be sorely missed in the community.

Tom Ziegler

February 18, 2011

It was an honor getting to know Dave as a fellow administrator in FUSD. Dave was one of the kindest gentlemen I have had the privilege of working with. Dave, you will be missed by the Flagstaff community. Kay, my heart goes out to you for you loss. Dave was a giant among men.

Kimberly Ott

February 18, 2011

Dear Kay and family, I am so sad over Dave's passing. Kay, you and Dave are the people I have looked to as examples of compassionate leaders who have made Flagstaff a better place. Dave will be missed - but his legacy lives forever.

Flag of Arizona

Susan and Jim Casebeer

February 18, 2011

Dear Kay and family,
Our sympathy. We're so sorry Dave is gone. I like this poem, and it made me feel better when my father died. Hope you have many happy memories.

When we start to count flowers,
We cease to count weeds;
When we start to count blessings,
We cease to count needs;
When we start to count laughter,
We cease to count tears;
When we count happy memories,
We cease to count years.

Adelita Gonzales

February 18, 2011

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Brenda, Phil & Connor Garrod

February 18, 2011

Kay: Phil and I were so saddened to hear of Dave's passing. From my student teaching at Knoles the first year it opened to working with you as a Big Sister for BBBS, I personally know how much you both have contributed to our community. He will be missed! We missed you both on our annual visit to trick or treat at your door.

Cindy Anderson

February 17, 2011

The opinion page in the Wed, Feb. 16, 2011 issue of the Arizona Daily Sun paid tribute to Dave as leading a life of "inspiration" . . . so very, very true. Despite Kay's irrepressible personality, Dave’s experienced and caring influence can be sensed in the work of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flagstaff long after his retirement. Dave chose to invest his life energy in the lives of our youth and he reminded us that everyone can make a difference to someone. Thank you Dave for being the ultimate model of the humble servant and thank you, Kay, for sharing him with the rest of us.

Joanne Stucjus

February 17, 2011

Kay, my heart goes out to you and your family. Peace for Dave's soul and your peace is my prayer. Love, Joanne

Sharon & Paul Jones

February 17, 2011

Dave's heart was as big as his smile. Our family has so many happy memories of Dave and Knoles Elementary School. He was truly one of a kind who humbly and generously dedicated his life to making our world a better place. Our thoughts and prayers are with you dear Kay, Gibson, Paul and families.

Tisha Frank (Puget Sound Big Sisters)

February 17, 2011

Kay - I'm sending you my condolences today, but hope that someday soon the pain of your loss will be replaced by warm memories of many happy times spent with Dave.

February 17, 2011

Kay and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Dave will always be a major figure in the history of BBBS and I will charish the times we worked together. He brought his humor, professionalism and compasion to the table in everything he did. He will truely be missed. - Becca Fain, BBBSA

Kristine Williams

February 17, 2011

David's leadership inspired us all to become better community members, to care for our children and to set an example for those who will follow. Bless his life, his work and his family. My heart goes out to Kay, Gibson and Paul and the entire McKay family for their loss and may we all celebrate a life well lived.

February 17, 2011

Our most sincere condolences to the McKay family. Dave was a shining example of a great principal to all at Knoles Elementary School and an inspiration to the entire Flagstaff community. Our prayers are with you.

The Joiner Family

Linda Evans

February 16, 2011

Dave was my principal for one year at Marshall. I so wish I could have worked for him longer. I respected him as an educator and as a man. My condolences to Kay and his family. Dave will be missed.

February 16, 2011

Kay & Family,
David was a Warrior on behalf of children and a model citizen to Flagstaff and the state of Arizona. It was difficult for me to learn of your loss. I have known David for 53 years as we attended and played football for Eastern Arizona College. He was our leader and did it in a quiet method which was his style. We met for the first time in his dorm room at Eastern Arizona where he had two large posters on the wall. One of Barry Goldwater and the other of Julie London a sultry singer and later televsion star. The brotherhood and friendship has endure since 1958. I could tell "McKay" stories for hours.
Love, Dale Hancock

Betsy Menand Family

February 16, 2011

Shooting Stars...Dave and Kay, my mom was proud to be among your shining lights!

Michelle Gonzales

February 16, 2011

Dear Kay and family,

I will always be grateful for the life lessons I learned working at BBBSF. Thank you Dave and Kay for sharing your wisdom, helping me and so many others grow to greater potential, and giving so much to the community.

Peace to you all -

February 16, 2011

Gibby,Paul and Mrs. Mckay,
Your father touched so many lives in Flagstaff and his presence will truly be missed by many people. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
The Goitia family-Michael,Michelle,Maia and Esai

Dan Groth

February 16, 2011

Dearest Kay,

Dave was a great mentor at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flagstaff and a good freind. He will be missed.

Dave Healey

February 16, 2011

Kay and Family,
Dave was willing to put up with 2 clueless college grads who attempted to throw their kid on the bus at the wrong stop on Rio de Flag and may have thought he was going to full day kindergarden. Brendan was there 7 years at Knoles. Thanks,Dave.
Dave Healey

Dottie Harkey

February 16, 2011

Dear Kay and Family,
I am saddened to hear of the passing of Mr. Mckay. I had him as a teacher way back in the good old Flagstaff Junior High School days. He was a tremendous teacher! And how you have touched my life Kay... Had the wonderful privilege of attending two of your seminars at the FMC Business Office and at Flagstaff Medical Center on how to succeed in a working environment. Your positive and caring attitude changed my life!!! I know that this strength you have will sustain you now. Please accept my sincere condolences and deepest sympathy. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
With heartfelt caring,
Dottie (Euler) Harkey

February 16, 2011

Kay, Gib and Paul,
Our family always felt blessed that our three children were students at Christensen School while Dave was the assistant principal there. His gentle, encouraging manner was a strong support to our three and to hundreds of other young Flagstaff citizens during those important elementary school years.
Dave's warm, positive approach influenced the lives of many; the impact of his work will be remembered and appreciated through generations to come. Our gratitude and our heartfelt sympathy are with you all,
The Luedde Family - Thomas, Caroline, Rob and Dolly

Amanda Kolomitz

February 16, 2011

I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Dave. My thoughts are with Kay the family at this time. I feel blessed to have been able to get to know Dave during my time with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flastaff and I know the world is truly a better place because of his presence in it.

February 16, 2011

Our thoughts are with Dave's family. We have many memories of Dave and his many successes as an educator and with Big Brothers. He will be missed.
David and Nancy Maurer
Prescott, AZ

Patty and Bill Brookins

February 16, 2011

Dave was so welcoming to our then 8-year-old daughter when we moved to Flagstaff in 1988 and he showed us around her new school. We knew we had chosen our new hometown well with caring people like Dave already living there. Our prayers are with Kay and the rest of the family as you say your goodbyes. Dave was a treasure!

February 16, 2011

To Kay and Family,

Tom and I feel privileged to have known Dave and are so sorry for his loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Love, Tom and Ellen Augenstein

February 16, 2011

To Kay and Family,

Dave was such a light to all of us at BBBSF. His smile was welcoming, warm and comforting, and something we all looked forward to seeing. His passion for helping the youth in Flagstaff was contagious.

We are blessed to have known him, worked with him, and to be a part of his family. We will continue his legacy here at BBBSF with honor and dignity now and in the future.

All our love and prayers,

The Staff of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flagstaff

Shelby Jones

February 16, 2011

So sorry to hear of his passing. It was great to attend Knoles Elementary and have him as the Principal for the first two years it was open. He cared about children a lot and the legacy he created in Flagstaff will continue forever. Keeping his family in my thoughts and prayers.

John & Georgia Reilly

February 16, 2011

What a legacy Dave leaves behind. Our deepest condolences to Kay, the boys and their families. He was a good man and will be missed.

Tony Armenta

February 16, 2011

My condolences to the entire McKay family. I remember Dave fondly from my time in Flagstaff. So many people benefited from Dave (and Kay's) extraordinary generosity in serving others. The world needs more Dave McKays.

February 15, 2011

WE ARE SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT DAVID!
YOU FOLKS ARE IN OUR PRAYERS.

EARL & MICHAELA MCKAY
NEW CASTLE, INDIANA

Candice Ramsayer (Davis)

February 14, 2011

My condolences for your loss. I was an intern at Big Brothers Big Sisters in 2003-2004. Making a difference for others is something to strive for in our lives and Dave made a difference for countless people.

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Sign David McKay's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

February 2, 2012

Adelita Gonzales posted to the memorial.

February 1, 2012

Julia Carboni posted to the memorial.

February 24, 2011

Seth Montoya posted to the memorial.