Dixie High School

McaKay Donald Christian - 12/4/2015

Class of 1964

On December 4, 2015, McKay Donald Christian, age 69, passed away at his home due to complications from cancer. He was surrounded by his loving family as his soul winged its way into eternal life. Born on August 17, 1946, he was the sixth child to Lewis Earl and Mary LaRue Leavitt Christian.

He was a gifted athlete in football, basketball, and baseball where he was known for hitting home runs out of the park. In later years he excelled at tennis and most especially golf.

He attended the local St. George schools of East Elementary, Woodward Junior High, and Dixie High School where he served as Senior Class President. He then attended Dixie Juior College where he played baseball and football while achieving a 4.0 GPA and the school’s Outstanding Science Award.

He served a two-year LDS mission to northern Germany where he was Assistant to the President. It was during his mission that he made the decision to become a doctor as he learned of the joy and importance of serving others.

He attended the University of Utah to graduate with honors and a Pre-Med degree in Medical Biology. After graduating from University of Utah School of Medicine in 1974, he attended Texas Tech University to complete his residency in Family Practice. He then joined Medical Associates in St. George, being part of the first group of doctors in town. After suffering a stroke in 2014 he retired, having practiced medicine for 40 years.

In 1970 he married Kay Pearce of Hurricane, Utah in the St. George LDS Temple. They are the loving parents to six children: Derek McKay of St. George, Darcie Lyn Chamberlain (Alton) of Blanding, UT, Rachel Marie Andrew (Matthew) of Nampa, ID, Tamara Lee Hansen (Clinton) of Bartlesville, OK, Toni Kae Brown (Peter) of St. George, and Laura Anne Shrout (David) Of St. George. He is grandfather to 17 grandchildren.

He is also survived by siblings, Paula Jolley of Santa Clara, UT, Grant (Geniel) of Bountiful, UT, Clark (Laurel) of Diamond Valley, UT, Wayne of Santa Clara, and Karen Jensen (Joe) of Bountiful, as well as Elva Christian, wife of his deceased brother Ralph, and many other brothers and sisters-in-law, and nieces and nephews.

McKay is preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, and one grandson.

A devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he served in many capacities including Elder’s Quorum President, Bishop, High Counselor, and Gospel Doctrine teacher which was his all-time favorite calling. As an avid reader he spent his entire life enjoying books and in 1995 he realized his dream to open the used bookstore, Doc’s Book Loft.

He loved and served the community of St. George with his whole heart, and as a sports enthusiast he supported local teams and often attended the high school games. Being a large contributor to the Jubilee of Trees he and his wife helped raise money for Dixie Regional Medical Center and designed many Christmas trees together. A gifted healer, he leaves behind many loyal patients and colleagues whom he loved dearly. A beloved husband, father, grandfather, doctor, mentor, teacher, and example, he will be greatly missed.

There have been 0 fuzzies left so far.

Comments or Memories