Ronald H. McKay

November 29, 2018

Ronald H. McKay

GARDNER- Ronald H. McKay, 74, of Sawyer Street and formerly of Athol, died Wednesday, November 28, 2018  at The Highlands in Fitchburg.

Born in Athol on February 26, 1944, he was a son of the late Lawrence C. and Ida (McLean) McKay and grew up in Athol ,graduating from Athol High. While at Athol High, Ronald set the record for the mile run. He later attended Orange Court College in Costa Mesa, California.

On July 8, 1963, Ronald enlisted into the United States Army where he was a tank operator and was honorably discharged on July 7, 1965. While in the Army, he had trained with Elvis Presley.

On November 7, 1998, he married May G. (Clark) and recently celebrated 20 years together. Ronald was previously married to Linda (Daigle) and Susan (Gabis).

Employed by the L. S. Starrett Company in Athol, Ronald worked there 43 years before retiring. He had also worked for Stop & Shop.

Ronald had learned to play violin and loved old TV shows like M.A.S.H and Gunsmoke. He also use to enjoy bus tours.

Survivors include his wife, May McKay of Gardner; children, Lorie Hough of Orange, Scott McKay of Springfield, IL, Kim McKay of Erving and Suzanne McKay of Amherst; step children, Theresa Carey of New Salem, Wayne Lyman of Warwick and Bonnie Peppers of Jacksonville, FL; grandchildren, Michael Hough, Jessica Hough, Andrew Hough, Olivia Hough, Noah Hough, Illayna Perkins, Dylan Perkins and Onyx Ramirez; great grandchildren, Liam Hough and Kairi Hough; step grandchildren, Amanda Rabbitt, Clive Fernet, Aidan Fernet, Ian Peppers, Alyssa Lyman and Merynn Lyman; step great grandchildren, Liam Rabbitt and Emerson Rabbitt; a brother Donald McKay (Elaine) of Hubbardston; and many nephews and nieces.

Besides his parents, Ronald was predeceased by a sister, Gail Warn.

Calling hours will be held December 8, 2018 from 9-11 a.m. at Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange.

A service will follow at 11 a.m. in the funeral home with Rev. Edward Boren of the North New Salem Congregational Church officiating.

There is no interment at this time.

Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is directing the arrangements.

You may offer your sympathy online at www.wittyfuneralhome.com

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