David Lee McKay

David Lee McKay, 82, of South Haven passed away July 21, 2020 at Rose Arbor Hospice in Kalamazoo, Michigan.  He was born May 24, 1938 in South Haven, Michigan to Dora and Harold (Bud) McKay.  He attended South Haven Public Schools for most of his education except when he lived in Raymondville, Texas from 1945 - 1950.  He graduated from South Haven High School in June of 1956.  He married Sue Niffenegger on June 12, 1959, this past June they celebrated 61 years of marriage.

David worked at Ohmie Tile, National Motors and Bohn Aluminum as a shipping clerk and machinist for 27 1/2 years. He was a UAW member while working at Bohn.

He enjoyed countless sunsets at the beach and people watching with his Best Friend and wife. He enjoyed his charter fishing trips on Lake Michigan every summer with his oldest son Tim.  He loved daily visits to the back door by his favorite neighborhood dog, Bella, requesting two biscuits.  He also liked sand and water detecting, yard and garden work, as well as “circle the word” puzzles.  He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, especially during the summer on the back patio and at his son’s condo in South Haven.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his sister Beverly, mother-in-law Alvena Niffenegger, brother-in-law Art Niffenegger, and sister- in- law Jean Latchaw.  

He is survived by his wife, sister Carole (Gilles) Maheux, sister- in-law Lee Niffenegger, and brother-in-law Eugene Latchaw. David is survived by his children, Terri Garrison of Paw Paw, Tim  (Pam) McKay of Ovilla, Texas and Chris (Christy) McKay of Canton, Georgia; grandchildren - Gracen, Chase, Joey, Julia and Darien; two great grandchildren - Aria and Davien; and several cousins, nieces and nephews.

Immediate family celebrated his life with him in the weeks prior to his passing, and remained with him honoring his commitment to family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Sandra J Schulze Hope Lodge at 411 Second St. NW, Rochester, MN 55901-2814 or Rose Arbor Hospice at 5473 Croyden Avenue Kalamazoo, Michigan 49009.

David survived stomach cancer for nearly 23 years. He was one of two longest recoveries for stomach cancer survivors that his Mayo Clinic oncology  doctor knew of in January of 2019.

His family would like to thank Bronson South Haven Emergency, Bronson Lake View in Paw Paw, Ascension Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo and Rose Arbor Hospice in Kalamazoo for the wonderful care given to David before he passed away.