David passed peacefully in Phoenix on February 10, 2011. He was born in Gadsden, AL on February 24, 1939. Soon after, his family moved to Ajo, AZ where he spent his youth growing up with his three brothers Jim, John and Bill. He graduated from Ajo High School in 1957 and went on to play quarterback as a student athlete for the Gila Monsters of Eastern Arizona College. McKay received both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Northern Arizona University (Arizona State College). He retired after 35 years of service to the Flagstaff Unified School District where he served as principal of Thomas Knoles Elementary School (1987-98), Principal of Christensen Elementary School (1982-87), assistant Principal of Christensen and Killip Elementary Schools (1976-82), title III coordinator (1973-76), assistant Principal of Mt. Elden Elementary School (1968-73), Flagstaff Schools first elementary guidance counselor (1966-68) and science teacher for Flagstaff Junior High School (1963-66). David proudly founded Big Brothers of Northern Arizona in 1968 and served as its executive director for 40 years. In 2000, Governor Jane Dee Hull appointed McKay to the Citizens Clean Election Commission where he served out his five year term. In addition, McKay served as a member of the investigative committee for the Arizona Dental Board during the same time period. David is survived by his wife of 46 years, Kay; son Gibson and daughter-in-law Rebecca; son Paul and daughter-in-law Heather; and five grandsons Jack, Finn, Sam, Charlie and Zach. Services will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, February 19th at the Little America Grand Ball Room (2515 E. Butler Ave., Flagstaff). Directly following the service, a ceremony and tree planting will be conducted at Thomas Knoles Elementary School (4005 E. Butler Ave., Flagstaff). In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation be made to Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Northern Arizona (1338 W. Forest Meadow Rd. #130, Flagstaff, AZ 86001). Family and friends are encouraged to share their memories of David by visiting the online obituary Guest Book at www.ALMoore-Grimshaw.com or www.mem.com. Arrangements under the direction of A.L. Moore-Grimshaw Bethany Chapel, Phoenix, AZ.
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