Kenneth A. McKay

Kenneth A. McKay, age 84, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at his home in Ferndale, WA Thursday, June 7, 2018. He was born June 14, 1933 to Douglas McKay and Viola McKay (Rathbone) in Ferndale. Ken was married to his wife Calferne Borglund in Abbotsford BC on July 12, 1957.

He grew up on the family farm at Clearbrook near Sumas, WA and later moved to Ferndale.  Ken worked at Bellingham Frozen Foods, Columbia Cement, Intalco and BP Cherry Point before retiring in 1994. During the Korean War, Ken served his country in the United States Navy aboard the Destroyer U.S.S. Henderson.  Ken also served his community as a volunteer Firefighter and EMT with the Ferndale Fire Department WCFD #7 for 25 years retiring as Battalion Chief. Ken enjoyed camping, hunting and fishing with friends and family. He enjoyed travelling with Calferne and spending time with family overseas and across the country.

Ken enjoyed aviation, historic military aircraft and was a supporter of the Heritage Flight Museum and enjoyed attending the Abbotsford International Airshow.

Ken was preceded in death by his mother Viola and father Douglas, sisters; Jean (Keith) Lambson, Donna (Dick) Hardy. Ken is survived by his wife Calferne of 60 years; sister; Willo (Frank) Burgler,  brother;  Jim (Jane) McKay, daughter; Michelle (Jeff) Geer, granddaughter, Heather Geer; daughter, Rochelle (Larry)  Kennedy, grandsons,  Kenneth and David (Megan) Kennedy, great granddaughter, Nora; son, Larry (Rosemarie) McKay, Gerry (Regina) McKay, grandson, Christopher (Mimi) McKay, great grandsons, Shane & Hayden;  granddaughter, Amber (Johannes) Walder, great granddaughter, Kristina; great grandson, Maximilian; grandson, Steffen (Gabriela) McKay; great grandson, Asce, and great granddaughter, Luna; numerous nieces and nephews other relatives.

A graveside service with Military Honors will be held Friday, 2:00 PM, August 10, 2018 at Enterprise Cemetery 7041 Vista Dr. Ferndale, WA with no reception following. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Whatcom Hospice or the Ferndale Volunteer Fire Fighters Association c/o the Ferndale Fire Department.  Please share your thoughts and memories of Ken online at www.sigsfuneralservices.com

As We Look Back

As we look back over time
We find ourselves wondering …..
Did we remember to thank you enough
For all you have done for us?
For all the times you were by our sides
To help and support us …..
To celebrate our successes
To understand our problems
And accept our defeats?
Or for teaching us by your example,
The value of hard work, good judgment,
Courage and integrity?
We wonder if we ever thanked you
For the sacrifices you made.
To let us have the very best?
And for the simple things
Like laughter, smiles and times we shared?
If we have forgotten to show our
Gratitude enough for all the things you did,
We’re thanking you now.
And we are hoping you knew all along,

How much you meant to us.

              Unknown Author