Teddy Albert McKay

Teddy (Ted) Albert McKay peacefully returned to his Heavenly Home on November 4, 2024, for a long-awaited reunion with his parents, brothers, and other dear family members. He courageously faced the debilitating challenges of blindness due to Macular Degenerative Eye Disease, diabetes, and cancer for the past 37+ years.

Born August 1, 1937, in Santaquin, Utah to Charles Albert and LaVon Asmerelda Peterson McKay, he was the third of four sons, having two older brothers, Richard Glen and Charles Ray, and one younger brother, David Owen, all of whom preceded him in death.

Growing up in Santaquin, Ted held fond memories of his family’s grocery store, McKay’s Market. In 1955, Ted graduated from Payson High School, where he was the editor of the “Paysonian”, drove a ’53 Chrysler, was academically gifted (known as the kid with an A-1 Brain and Einstein II), and was a talented musician.

Ted learned the heartache of losing his parents early on when his dear mother passed away in 1957 and his beloved father in 1961. He often recalled how much he missed his family and longed to see them! One must believe that these great losses early on in his life led Ted to become extremely independent and driven, yet very private. Family was everything to Ted!

In January of 1958, Ted embarked on a life of service as he began serving as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the British Mission. Arriving in Southampton, United Kingdom, via the R.M.S. Queen Mary, Ted cherished his time serving as a missionary and the many new lifelong friends he made. Ted was a lifelong genealogist and family historian and held a firm, unwavering testimony and knowledge of his loving Savior Jesus Christ, the Plan of Exaltation, and the truthfulness of Jesus Christ’s restored gospel.

Shortly after fulfilling his mission, Ted joined the U.S. Army in service to his country and was honorably discharged in 1963. He then attended Brigham Young University, graduating in May 1966 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance and Accounting. Ted was a perfectionist with a great work ethic. He accepted many job opportunities as an accountant and especially enjoyed his time working in Higher Education.

In 1972, Ted married Shirley Swinyard Taylor, a widow with five young children. In 1988, the marriage ended in divorce.

Traveling the world, going for drives in his prized, cherry-red Camaro, gardening, landscaping, researching family history, and doing temple work created many rewarding experiences for Ted. He also valued the serenity of living in his restored home in Brigham City and greatly appreciated the friendships he made, and the kindnesses rendered to him. He returned home to Salt Lake in 2020.

Nothing brought Ted more peace, comfort, and happiness than music! Being an accomplished pianist and organist, Ted was a lifelong, aficionado and supporter of the arts! Many evenings were spent basking in the melodies of The Children’s Choir, The Tabernacle Choir, The Utah Symphony, and The Utah Opera, just to name a few. He loved frequenting fine art museums, antique showcases, and The Utah Ballet. His home décor truly reflected his love and deep passion for the arts!

Many loving family members and beloved friends, especially Roger Little, will dearly miss Teddy! In celebrating the life of Teddy Albert McKay, we invite you to share your cherished memories and photos in honor of Teddy's remarkable life both online and at a graveside Dedication and Celebration of Life. Graveside service and celebration for Ted will be this Saturday, November 23, 2024 at 1:00 pm in the Santaquin City Cemetery.