Joe Marvill McKay

It is with broken hearts and the deepest sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. Joe McKay, 79, passed away after a short illness on June 4th 2024. Joe was born on June 11th 1944 in Preston, ID to Willis and Zada (Mann) McKay. He was the oldest of five siblings and grew up in both Preston, ID and Bountiful, UT, where he enjoyed fishing, skiing, hunting, golfing, baseball, and riding ATV’s. He graduated from Bountiful High School in 1962.

He married the love of his life, Karen (Forman) McKay, in 1968. She offered him a penny for his thoughts on their first date and that was the start of their amazing love story that was filled with adoration and laughter for over 56 years. They brought two wonderful women into this world, Tiffany in 1976 and Summer in 1979. They worked alongside each other to raise them and created a beautiful life together. They opened their family and home to many people over the years and were great examples of kindness and true love.

Joe was an incredible father and grandfather who was dedicated to his family and gave them everything he could. He coached Summer’s softball team, traveled to many of Tiffany’s out of state soccer tournaments. He took them on countless hunting and camping trips, but most importantly, he loved them more than anything. To both of his daughters, he was their best friend.

After spending many years working hard in the trucking industry, he retired in 2017. He spent his last years enjoying the family he worked so hard for. He put down his cigarettes years ago but would still raise a toast every now and again at family celebrations. His was a life well lived.

Though he was strong-willed and sometimes stubborn, Joe was known for having a heart of gold and the ability to befriend anyone. Joe’s legacy is one of resilience, generosity, and unwavering love for his family. He truly was a great man. He is dearly loved and will be terribly missed until the day we see him again.

Joe is survived by his wife Karen McKay, children Tiffany Murdock and Summer (Mike) Celia, grandchildren Taylor Murdock, Joe (Hailee) Murdock, Merissa Celia, Tiana Celia, and Mikey Celia, great-grandchildren Braxston, Oaklee, and Waylon siblings Robert (Jan) McKay, Reed (Elaine) McKay, and Margaret (Jerry) Paul as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by both of his parents and his brother, Ralph McKay.

A Celebration of Life will be held for family and friends Saturday June 15, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at Lindquist’s Layton Mortuary, 1867 N. Fairfield Rd., Layton, Utah. Friends and family may gather to reminisce from 12:30 until 1:45 p.m. prior to the service.

The service will be live-streamed and may be viewed by scrolling to the bottom of Joe’s obituary page at www.lindquistmortuary.com

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