Gilford-----Edward A. McKay, 80, of Gilford, died on Friday, May 15, 2015.
Ed was born on December 23, 1934 in Somerville, Mass., the son of Louis and Elizabeth McKay. Ed moved to Medford in 1942. Graduating from Medford High in 1953, he went on to graduate from Wentworth Institute in Boston and worked for the McKay Fuel Company, the family business.
Ed knew at an early age that he wanted to fly and earned his Pilot’s license before his driver’s license, at the age of seventeen. Ed bought his first plane at an early age and flew everything from a Stearman Biplane to a super 747 Jumbo Jet. He flew to six continents as a commercial pilot for 33 years with Pan American World Airways and later Delta Airlines. Following his retirement from Delta, he moved to Gilford, NH with his wife Chris. There, Ed continued his passion for flying and could be seen flying his Bonanza Beechcraft A36 above the clouds over Laconia, NH.
Ed’s other hobbies include his love of cars, motorcycles, skiing, playing Cribbage with his beloved nephew Scott, and spending time outdoors enjoying nature. In the fall, Ed could be seen sporting the McKay Clan plaid at the annual Scottish Highland Games at Loon Mountain.
Ed is survived by his wife Chris McKay; sons, Allen McKay and wife Patty, Kenneth McKay and wife Krisanne, and Stuart McKay and wife Karen; step-daughter Katiana Dillon and her husband, James; sister, Carrol Stephens; ten grandchildren and many nephews and nieces. In addition to his parents, Ed was predeceased by his son, Andrew McKay and his brother, Louis Jr.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2015 at 1:00pm at the Gilford Community Church, 19 Potter Hill, Road, Gilford, NH.
Donations may be made in Ed’s memory to Supportive Living, Inc., Douglas Stephens Memorial Fund, 400 West Cummings Park, Suite 6100, Woburn, Mass.,01801, or www.supportivelivinginc.org.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services , 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, NH is assisting the family with the arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial go to www.wilkinsonbeane.com.