Kenneth M. McKay, 85, of Lake Arrowhead, passed away peacefully on December 25, surrounded by loved ones.
Ken was born on June 26, 1938, to Teal and Loyce McKay in Louisiana. After graduating from Pollock High School, he attended Louisiana State University (LSU). He then joined the United States Army. He was stationed in Korea, serving in the Army Security Agency (ASA).
After serving four years, Ken returned to college and graduated from the University of Houston with a secondary education degree. Ken taught high school English and physical education in Oroville, Anaheim and Carlsbad, California.
Ken later joined the corporate world, working for a division of Prentice Hall publishers. He helped large organizations with business management training materials and programs to educate staff. Ken enjoyed great success at Prentice Hall for many years.
Ken had a great entrepreneurial spirit and desired to have his own business. He entered the automotive industry when he acquired a Texaco gas station. He later opened a successful automobile rental and sales organization with multiple locations.
He moved to the Lake Arrowhead area to retire but was anxious to return to work after a couple of years of retirement. In 1999, Ken was excited to open Twin Peaks Auto Service with Rory Balmer and Darrell Keeler. He often remarked that living and working in Lake Arrowhead were the happiest days of his life.
Ken also cherished being a member of the Lake Arrowhead Mountain Sunrise Rotary Club. He was a true friend and inspirational leader. Ken served as club president from 2017 to 2018 and most enjoyed volunteering at local Rotary charity events.
He will be remembered for initiating the Jim Manson Stars program, a way for Rotary members and friends to honor another beloved member of the Mountain Sunrise Club.
“The passing of Ken McKay is a deep loss to us all,” said Mary Ann Dickinson, president of the Mountain Sunrise Rotary Club. “He was very committed to charitable service in our mountain communities. As a past president of our Rotary Club, he was a tireless advocate for raising funds, particularly to support the mountain’s youth. We have renamed his program the Ken McKay Stars Fund to continue to honor his memory.”
We will remember Ken for his strong will, enormous heart and wonderful sense of humor.
The family will announce a celebration of life for Ken in the future.
0 Comments