Charles Allen McKay

 

Charles Allen McKay

7/26/1931 – 8/16/2023

“No hour of life is wasted that is spent in the saddle,” said Winston Churchill, a motto Charles Allen McKay embraced!
On the beautiful morning of August 16th, 2023, our husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, Charles Allen McKay passed from this life. Even at 92 years old he was not ready to go, because he always had another project he wanted to do.
Charles was born on July 26th, 1931 to Kenneth Verl and Bernneta McKay. He loved his siblings and their spouses, all now deceased; Mayre (McKay) Andersen, Pat (Oneil) Hansen, Diane (Gordon) Sperry, and Kenneth McKay.
As a young man Charles enjoyed herding sheep, being in the mountains, and on the desert. He got to live his dream of owning his own sheep herd, and raising horses on his farm.
He spent four years in the Air Force as an Airplane Woodworker. He served in Thule, Greenland, and on other Air Force bases during the Korean war. In 2018, he was privileged to participate in the Utah Honor Flight to Washington D.C. for veterans.
After his military service, he met and married Elna Johansen on December 8, 1956.

Their marriage was later solemnized on October 20, 1999 in the Manti Temple. Four wonderful children blessed their union, Jennifer (Jim) Walker, John Allen (Debbie) McKay, Heidi (Tony) Kelso, and Molly (Rich) Brotherson. He had 14 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren.

Charlie served as the President of the Pioneer Historical Association and on the Twin Creek Irrigation Board. He helped organize the Sanpete County Lamb and Wool Pool in 1988. His favorite church calling was serving as the Ward Librarian. Together with his wife, they owned and operated the Dairy Freeze in Mount Pleasant for nine years.

Charles loved his horses and rode up until his 91st birthday. He, like Ronald Reagan, said, “The back of a horse is good for the inside of a man.” His hobby in his later years was restoring old wagons, and he completed the restoration of a beautiful wagon last Winter. He loved working with wood and was a true craftsman. He always had a good story and a mint for everyone.

He is survived by his wife, children, and all of their families. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings.

Funeral services will be held Monday, August 21, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. in the Mt. Pleasant Stake Center. Viewings will be held Sunday August 20, 2023, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. and Monday from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. prior to services both held at the church. Interment in the Mt. Pleasant City Cemetery.

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