Michael Keith McKay

Michael Keith McKay passed away peacefully on July 12, 2026, after a courageous two-month battle with kidney failure, pneumonia, and related lung complications. Surrounded by the love of his family, he left this world knowing how deeply he was loved and how much he meant to those closest to him.

Mike was born in 1948 in Wichita, Kansas, a city he would always consider home. He graduated from Wichita Heights High School with the Class of 1967 before proudly serving his country in the United States Army.

Mike married the love of his life, Connie, in 1970. Together they shared more than 56 wonderful years of marriage, raising their daughter, Alicia, and their son, Doug, and building a life centered on family, love, and countless memories.

After completing his military service, Mike attended the Nuclear Medicine Program at Wesley Hospital in Wichita, graduating in 1975. He began what would become a distinguished career in Nuclear Cardiology and later served as Director of Nuclear Cardiology at St. Francis Hospital in Wichita. He earned the respect of colleagues through his knowledge, professionalism, leadership, and dedication to his work.

Although he had already established a successful career and was raising a young family, Mike never stopped learning. He continued his education at Wichita State University, earning three Bachelor of Science degrees in Biology, Chemistry, and Microbiology during the early 1990s. His determination, curiosity, and lifelong love of learning were qualities that defined him.

Mike spent approximately two-thirds of his life in Wichita before later making the Kansas City area his home. He remained proud of his Wichita roots and continued to support Wichita State athletics throughout his life.

One of Mike's greatest joys was creating memories with his family. Summer weekends at Table Rock Lake created some of his happiest memories. Whenever Connie had the weekend off, the family headed to the lake, where Mike taught Alicia and Doug to water ski, ride the Zip Sled, and tube. He also enjoyed fishing, playing golf, cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs and Sporting Kansas City, and following soccer at every level. He especially admired Lionel Messi, and his family is grateful that he was able to watch him play during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. At the end of the day, Mike was just as content relaxing in his favorite chair with a John Wayne western on television, usually with the volume turned up louder than everyone else thought necessary.

Mike also had a lifelong passion for amateur radio. He worked hard to earn his ham radio license and spent countless hours connecting with people across the country and around the world. Antennas on the family cars and the tall antenna in the backyard became familiar sights, reflecting a hobby that brought him great enjoyment.

Above all else, Mike was happiest when he was doing things with the people he loved. Whether he was spending time with Connie, making memories with Alicia and Doug, watching his grandchildren grow, enjoying a day at the lake, operating his ham radio, watching a game, or sharing an evening watching a movie with family, those moments brought him his greatest happiness.

Mike will be remembered not only for his accomplishments, but also for his steady presence, quiet strength, work ethic, curiosity, and loyalty to the people he loved. He taught his children the value of hard work, continued learning, showing up for family, and doing your best even when life became difficult. His lessons were sometimes delivered firmly, but they always came from a place of love.

Mike is survived by his beloved wife of more than 56 years, Connie McKay; his daughter, Alicia; his son, Doug; his three cherished grandsons, Elijah, Jackson, and Cameron; his faithful cat, Davy; and many extended family members, dear friends, and former colleagues.

His family will forever remember the example he set, the lessons he taught, and the countless memories they shared together. His legacy lives on in the family he loved, the values he instilled, and the lives he touched. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

A Celebration of Mike's Life will be held at the home of his son, Doug, in the Kansas City area at a date and time still pending.

Family and friends are warmly invited to join us as we celebrate Mike's life, share stories, laugh, reminisce, and honor the wonderful memories he leaves behind.

For directions and additional details, please email [email protected]