MCKAY, David G.

Arizona Daily Sun, Flagstaff, AZ Wednesday, February 16, 2011 David G. McKay, a founder of what is now Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flagstaff, died Feb. 10, 2011, in Phoenix. He was 71. McKay, a longtime community educator and an Arizona Daily Sun Citizen of the Year, founded Big Brothers in 1967 and served as co-executive director with his wife, Kay McKay, until 2004, when he retired. His wife retired in 2008. McKay touched the lives of thousands of children over the years as he trained their volunteer mentors. "I like the educational component of it," McKay told the Daily Sun upon receiving his award in 2001. "I like teaching others how to hopefully be an effective Big Brother or Big Sister through our training program." Bill Gaylord, a longtime friend and colleague, said in 2001: "He's one of these guys that works behind the scenes a lot. I don't think a lot of us know everything he has done." McKay was characteristically unassuming in learning of his award. "There's a lot of deserving people out there, and I'm honored to join those who have been selected in the past," McKay said. 35 YEARS WITH FUSD McKay was born in Gadsden, Ala., on Feb. 24, 1939. Soon after, his family moved to Ajo, in southern Arizona, 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 football team at Eastern Arizona College. McKay received both his bachelor's and master's degrees from Northern Arizona University, then known as Arizona State College. He worked for the Flagstaff Unified School District for 35 years, serving as principal of 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 Mount Elden Elementary School (1968-73). He also was the Flagstaff schools' first elementary guidance counselor (1966-68) and a science teacher for Flagstaff Junior High School (1963-66). In addition to his service with Big Brothers Big Sisters, Gov. Jane Hull appointed McKay in 2000 to the Citizens Clean Elections Commission, on which he served a five-year term. McKay also served as a member of the investigative committee for the Arizona Dental Board during the same time period. SERVICES ON SATURDAY He 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. A service will be Saturday, Feb. 19, at 1 p.m. in the Little America Grand Ballroom, 2515 E. Butler Ave. Following the service, a ceremony and tree-planting will be conducted at Knoles Elementary School, 4005 E. Butler Ave. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flagstaff, 1338 W. Forest Meadow Road, No. 130, Flagstaff, AZ 86001. Family and friends are encouraged to share their memories of David McKay by visiting the online obituary guest book at www.ALMoore-Grimshaw.com.
Posted by Sharla on February 16, 2011

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