Through Kay’s high school years and college, he found his athletic abilities were well above par. At 6 feet 4 inches tall and 220 lbs, he was built for football. But in high school, he chose to concentrate on basketball where he was named an “All-State” selection in 1954. Once in College, Kay was spotted by the track coach at Yankton College and courted onto the track team. Kay achieved the milestone of an all-time state record in the 220 yard dash of 20.9 seconds which was the 3rd fastest time in the United States in 1956. Kay was later invited to play football on full scholarship at the University of Minnesota for the remainder of his college years. In 1958 he was drafted into the military where he excelled at football and was invited to the All-Service Team. Upon fulfilling his military obligation, Kay eventually went to the Saint Louis Cardinals where a broken leg ended his football career.
Kays professional career was primarily within the insurance industry. He worked in the cities of Chicago, Atlanta, and ultimately ended up in Raleigh North Carolina where he procured his own insurance agency. In the early 90’s, he decided to retire to Wilmington North Carolina where he and his wife Barbara purchased their home in the golf community of Landfall.
Kay’s passion for golf was evident as he played weekly. He remained active in the sport until the Summer of 2018.
He was preceded in death by; wife Patricia Besanson; brother Ward “Bud” Besanson; brother Don Eide; and brother Loyd Eide.
Kay is survived by his wife, Barbara Lee Besanson; son Mark Besanson and his wife Cheryl Besanson; son Patrick Besanson and his wife Angela Besanson; sister Kathleen Kiepe; and brother Karis Besanson.
A service and celebration of life will be held Thursday, April 4, 2019 at 1:00 pm at Coble Ward-Smith Funeral Home, 3915 Oleander Drive Wilmington, NC 28403
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