In Memory

Tom McKay

Thomas Knowlton McKay

Thomas Knowlton McKay (76) of Idaho Falls, ID passed away on May 29th, 2023, due to long lasting health complications.

Tom was born on January 14th, 1947, to Thomas Brimhall McKay and Sarah Knowlton McKay in Salt Lake City, Utah. He was the second of their three beautiful children.  His father was a traveling insurance salesman, and Tom had many opportunities to travel around the country with his dad as he grew up.

After graduating from East High School in 1965 he spent two and a half years serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Paris, France. Before returning from his mission, he was able to spend a month touring Europe.  He then returned home and started his studies at Ricks College.  He later earned a bachelor’s degree in French (1972) and a master’s degree in French (1977) from Brigham Young University in Provo Utah. He concluded his education in 1985 earning a master’s degree in computer science from the University of Idaho.

Tom spent the bulk of his career working as a computer programmer and consultant on the Cray supercomputer for the INEL. He really enjoyed using his problem-solving skills to assist people in completing their projects on the supercomputer.  He also taught computer programming classes for the University of Idaho at their Idaho Falls extension.

In 1971, Thomas married Barbara Joyce Taylor in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple. They were married for 27 years, during which they had 12 children together (Thomas, Travis, Kajsa, Tyson, Doran, Tory, Kylie, Kelsie, Kira, Kinzie, David and Dawson). They raised their family in Idaho Falls, where they were active members of the Idaho Falls 3rd Ward, and, later, the Idaho Falls 28th Ward.

Thomas enjoyed traveling and camping with his family.  Many happy times were spent in places such as Island Park, Yellowstone, the Tetons, Arches and Zions National Park.  He also really enjoyed playing games.  Some of his favorites were Rook, Barnyard Rummy, Chess and Risk. His children will forever cherish their memories of family vacations and game nights spent around the kitchen table.

Tom was preceded in death by his sister Mary, parents Thomas B. and Sarah, stepmother Suzanne Wilson McKay, half-brother Morgan, daughter-in-law Noelle, grandson Brock, and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. They are surely enjoying a beautiful reunion in Heaven.

Tom is survived by the following family members: sister Marilyn, step-siblings Jane, Diane, Kathryn and Glen, his half-brother David, his children and their spouses Thomas (Lisa) McKay, Travis (Alisa) McKay, Kajsa (Ryan) Hubscher, Tyson (Cathie) McKay, Doran (Amber) McKay, Tory (Rachelle) McKay, Kylie (Mike) Steelman, Kelsie (Aryah) Fard, Kira McKay, Kinzie (Kevin) McKay, David (Aubrey) McKay, Dawson McKay, 45 grandchildren and aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins too numerous to count. He left behind a beautiful legacy of posterity.

A memorial service for Tom will be held at the Idaho Falls Central Stake Center located at 2025 Jennie Lee Drive in Idaho Falls on Thursday, June 8th at 11:00am.

 Tom’s final resting place will be at the Huntsville, Utah cemetery, next to his beloved mother, Sarah.

 A viewing for family and friends will be held at 11:00-12:00 on Saturday, June 10th, at the Leavitt's Mortuary in Ogden, Utah, located at 836 36th Street.  Graveside services in Huntsville (5600 E 100 S) will be held at 12:30 following the viewing. 

For information regarding sending flowers for the memorial, please contact Kinzie McKay at 208-569-3468.

https://www.leavittsmortuary.com/obituaries/thomas-mckay