Dorothy Jean McKay

Bellingham Dorothy J. McKay passed away in the afternoon on Saturday, January 18, 2014 on the approach to her 90th birthday. She was born Dorothea Jean Harrow on April 20, 1924 in Vancouver, BC, Canada, to James Joseph Harrow and Agnes (Whillans) Harrow. She lived the early years of her life in Bridge River, B.C., Cowichan Lake on Vancouver Island, New Westminster, B.C., Vancouver B.C., as well as White Rock, B.C. During World War II, Dorothy helped build aircraft for the war effort, working for Boeing Aircraft, which had established itself on the middle arm of the Fraser River on Lulu Island in Richmond, B.C. Dorothy met her future husband, Malcolm McKay, at a dance in White Rock. She married Malcolm in Ferndale on September 27, 1947. She then went on to pass her citizenship class, and became an American citizen. They lived and worked on Malcolms family farm on Northwest Road. Two years later they purchased a home in Bellingham, where together they raised two children. She generously gave the gift of her time and was devoted to her family. While her children were growing up, she volunteered at their school, and as a Blue Bird leader, Boy Scouts, school sports banquets and events, and 4H. She was a magnificent cook and she loved hosting family gatherings. Dorothy enjoyed her friends, reading, travel, word puzzles, knitting, and baking. She loved animals, especially their dogs Susie and Toby. She enjoyed and appreciated the simple joys of life. Dorothy was witty, warm, generous, and even tempered. Her family was her greatest joy and she was their rock. Nothing brought her greater pleasure than when she became a Grandma. She enjoyed attending her grandson Shawns athletic events, and her grandson Brians orchestra concerts. They adored their Grandma and she will forever live in their hearts. She was proud of her Canadian and Scottish roots and kept close ties with her Canadian family. During her retirement years, she and Malcolm enjoyed touring the Canadian provinces and nearly all 50 states. They volunteered to serve coffee at highway rest areas for MADD and were members of the Bellingham Senior Center, assembling the monthly newsletter. She faced lifes difficulties with strength and her final days with courage. She was preceded in death by her parents, her first husband John Charles Griffin Comish of Langley Prairie, B.C., who was killed in World War II; her beloved husband of 57 years, Malcolm McKay; her son-in-law Hugh Gregory of Bellingham, and brother Ray Harrow of Langley, B.C. She is survived by her daughter Bonnie Gregory of Bellingham; son John McKay (Mi Hee) of Burlington; grandsons Shawn Gregory (Marcy) of Ferndale, Brian Gregory of Bellingham, Scott McKay of California, Doug McKay (Angie) of Ferndale, Robb McKay of Blaine; great-granddaughter Jordan Gregory of Ferndale; sister Joyce Hopkins of Penticton, B.C.; special niece Gwen Hall (John) of Nakusp, B.C.; step-great-grandsons Tyler Occhiogrosso (Amanda) of Bellingham and Ryan Occhiogrosso of Renton, and many other special nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Farewell Tribute Information There will be a graveside and memorial service at Greenacres Memorial Park on Monday, January 27, 2014 at 1:00 PM. Donations Information In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Bellingham Senior Center or a charity of your choice.

Dorothy Jean McKay

April 20, 1924 - January 18, 2014