Rev. Ronald Nathan McKay

Ron McKay, pastor, teacher, chaplain, soldier, firefighter, woodworker, choir director, multi-instrumentalist, storyteller, basketball junkie, never afraid to go for the high note, always bringing the fun, the new best friend you didn’t know you needed, generous and dedicated husband, father, and grandfather, died on Thursday, July 22nd, 2021 at the age of 66.

Ron pastored Ruch Community Bible church for 40 years, volunteered as chaplain and firefighter in the Applegate Valley for 30, and served in the Army National Guard for 20, rising in the ranks from first lieutenant to colonel and finally serving as Oregon state chaplain. He served with Multinational Forces and Observers in Egypt for nine months, was on active duty in Iraq for one year, and again on active duty in Louisiana for one month in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. He viewed firefighting and military service as extensions of his ministry and relished the unique challenges and adventures they involved.

Ron is survived by his wife Martha, to whom he was married for 44 years, his sons Dan, John, and Mark, his daughter-in-law Crystal, and his grandsons Simon, who just learned to ride grandpa’s Honda 90, Mark, who fills our home with art, and Than, who brings joy to everyone he meets.

Ron will be so missed.