William W. McKay

William Wesley McKay died peacefully in his sleep on the Summer Solstice, June 21, 2018. Born in Philadelphia on April 6, 1924 to William McKay and Kathryne Brown McKay, "Wild Bill's" life was full of family, love, and adventure, a youthful spirit for 94 years. He was dashing, persistent, and charming. One of the best examples of this was his ingenious plan at 11 years old to win over the Nana of his childhood crush, first by visiting with her on the back porch and bringing her flowers. This opened the door to the pretty Doctor's daughter from up the street, Marie Therese McKay (Maley). Bill and "Terry" married and built a strong family of four children, who each had families of their own; Kathleen McKay Shaller (and her husband, Roger Shaller), the late William Thomas McKay (and his wife, Julie Wixson McKay), the late Robert Douglas McKay (and his wife, Kathryn Smith McKay, and her now husband, John Procaccini), and Jennifer McKay Tardif (and her husband, Stewart Tardif), his beloved grandchildren, Josh (his wife, Steph), Katie, Doug (his wife, Jenny), Dersa, Derek, William, Alexa, Conor, Liam, Bridgit, Grace, and his cherished great grandchildren, Satura, Chloe, Wes, Charlie, Henry, MacKenzie, plus numerous honorary family members. During their 70 years of mostly blissful marriage, they moved countless times and pursued many avenues, not the least of which included a riding stables and a ramshackle camp in Maine which has become the family's favorite retreat.

In the early 1940s, Bill attended Temple University. He then served in the Navy in the South Pacific during WWII, and witnessed the historic flag raising at Iwo Jima. After returning from the war, Bill attended the University of Pennsylvania, Bucknell University, and Princeton University on the GI Bill, ultimately earning his Master's degree and nearly completing a PHD. He played and coached football and taught math before moving into a successful career in the electronics field. He was impulsive and a risk taker, which presented challenges yet enriching experiences for his wife and family. His lifelong philosophies carried him through as they were all optimistic and action oriented, "Never have worries, just concerns," "let's get going," "we are lucky," "always think positive."

A doer and a tinkerer, Bill always had a project and was constantly on the move. He could fix anything with duct tape, old wood from under the cabin, perhaps a belt or some string, and a bucket of rocks. He poured more cement than anyone in history, all the while with a smile and some quick wit. He thought himself a true MacGyver. He was chivalrous, kind, funny, magnetic, endearingly flawed, and full of energy. Being helpful to those around him was always a priority, he'd give the shirt off his back. His cousins Shirley and Kay Smith tell stories of his antics with their equally mischievous and beloved mother Ester Bateman. "Aunt Es" was clearly one of the special angels welcoming Bill to heaven.

Bill is predeceased by many cherished loved ones; his parents, Aunt Es, sons, Rob and Willie, and wife, Terry. We believe they are all together now and jitterbugging to some Benny Goodman swing tunes and stirring up some contagious fun.

A few days before Bill passed, his desire to move on was clear. He said, "Come on and row. Get in your boat and row. I'm ready. Let's move!" Hours before he passed he wanted to get up and walk across the room. When asked why, he said, "Because my mother and wife are over there waiting for me."

There will be a celebration of Bill's life on Sunday, July 1st at 2:30 located at the Cremation Society of New Hampshire in the Phaneuf Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 243 Hanover Street, Manchester, New Hampshire. Directly following the services, there will be a military honors ceremony.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Alzheimer's Association specifically "LCCA Team Highlands on the Hill" for the Walk to End Alzheimer's. Here is the link to donate - http://act.alz.org/site/TR/Walk2018/MA-MassachusettsNewHampshire?team_id=456132&pg=team&fr_id=11269. This not only benefits the Alzheimer's Association but also honors the staff at The Highlands, where he received such loving care.