Alistair McKay

Alistair McKay of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan passed away Thursday, April 5, 2012 with his wife, Mary, of almost nine years of marriage by his side. Alistair was born August 13, 1950 in Glasgow, Scotland. As a baby, Alistair came to America with his parents, Margaret and Robert McKay (both deceased), and his older brothers, Roderick (deceased, 2003), and Iain (deceased, 2012). Al became a naturalized United States citizen during his youth. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in his early 20''s and enjoyed an accomplished Naval career for twenty years. He served as a Chief Fire Control man, Recruiter, and Director of Substance Abuse services, attaining the rank of Chief Petty Officer. From Naval Base San Diego, California, Al was deployed on the USS Abraham Lincoln, USS Camden, the USS Constellation, USS John Young, and USS Mount Hood. His duties took him around the world including the Panama Canal, Kenya, United Arab Emeritus, Diego Garcia, Vietnam, Singapore, Hawaii, and Australia. Al faithfully and honorably completed his duty and retired on November 1, 2003, which included ten years of reserves. Al had visited Sault Ste. Marie during his youth on family vacation and returned to the Soo following his active Naval Service. Al, a devout Roman Catholic, met Mary Krzycki-Pope in December, 1998 at St. Joseph''s Church where he was a member of a male choir, and she, a Lay Reader. They first crossed paths during a pre-Mass prayer for Liturgical Ministers, and began dating after a subsequent fortunate meeting in Wal-Mart. Mary and Al were married May 24, 2003 at the Holy Name of Mary Pro Cathedral. Al was warmly welcomed as the stepfather to Regina (Pope) Wilson, of Malibu, California and Melanie (Pope) Mendez. Both daughters married and he became father-in-law to Michael Wilson and Miguel Mendez, and ever so proudly became "Grandpa Al" to Granddaughters, Marbella, Makayla, Harper, Charlotte, Flora, and Grandson, Perry. Al is also survived by sister-in-law, Gloria (Roderick) McKay, nephew Todd (Tammy) McKay, great niece and nephew, Ce-Ce & Gavin McKay; niece Tracy (John) Vaessen & great niece, Blair Vaessen; Brothers and Sisters in-law: Mildred (John-deceased) Krzycki; Dolores & Dave Roberts, Catherine & Ken Fraley, Helen & John Parsons, Michael & Darlene Krzycki. Al also has many other relatives he held dear to include nephews, nieces, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Al and Mary have been active members of the community, participating in the St. Mary''s Church Choir, the Soo Theatre Project, the annual Relay for Life, and the annual Hospice Madrigal Dinner. They also enjoyed cultural activities like the Bon Soo Ontario Winter Carnival and Celtic Fiddle Concert (where Al & Mary had their first date), Scottish functions, as well as theatrical productions in Sault Michigan and Ontario. The same year Al and Mary were married in 2003, Al earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Human Services and Sociology from LSSU. He was dedicated to the Catholic Knights of Columbus, accomplishing the 4th Degree. Also close to his heart was involvement in the Soo Theatre Project from renovations, chorus and actor roles in productions including but not limited to Oliver, Annie, The Magic Flute; and service on the Soo Theatre Board of Directors for eight years. Al was the first registered Volunteer at the United Way of the EUP. He was named volunteer of the month of February 2012 for his history of volunteerism, having several thousand hours of volunteer and community service. Al also served on the United Way Volunteer Advisory Committee. Al was sustained by his loving family and countless friends, who will always respect him for his strength of character, motivation for positive change, and his concern and love for others. He battled gracefully in his fight against colon cancer since the 2007 diagnosis and prevailed by continuing to be as active as physically possible, maintaining his service to others throughout as much as possible. Al and Mary toured Scotland, August 2008, during a year of remission from Colon cancer. They remained constantly optimistic and grateful for the support, strength, prayers, and hope from their family and friends within the community and across the United States. Al peacefully left us when God finally called him home to Heaven. Visitation will be held Thursday, April 12 at Clark Bailey-Newhouse funeral home from 5 pm - 8 pm, with a Rosary by the Knights of Columbus at 8:00 pm. Mass of Christian burial will be held on Friday, April 13, 2012 at 11:30 am at the Holy Name of Mary Pro-Cathedral, Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan with Father Sebastian Kavumkal and Father Frank M Lenz, as Celebrants. Final Resting Place will be at the Oakland Chapel Gardens with Military Honors. Memorial Contributions may be made to Soo Theatre Project, Inc. in the name of the Alistair McKay Memorial Fund; Hospice of the EUP; St. Mary''s Choir.

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Alistair McKay

August 13, 1950 - April 5, 2012