August 17, 1946 – December 4, 2015
On Dec. 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 Aug. 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, Utah, Rachel Marie Andrew (Matthew) of Nampa, Idaho, Tamara Lee Hansen (Clinton) of Bartlesville, Oklahoma, 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, Utah, Grant (Geniel) of Bountiful, Utah, Clark (Laurel) of Diamond Valley, Utah, Wayne of Santa Clara and Karen Jensen (Joe) of Bountiful, as well as Elva Christian, wife of his deceased brother Ralph; many 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.
Funeral services
- Funeral services will be Saturday, Dec. 12, 11 a.m. in the St. George East Stake LDS Chapel, 449 S. 300 East, St. George, Utah.
- Visitations will be Friday, Dec. 11, 6-8 p.m. in the Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S. Bluff St., St. George
- Additional visitations will be at the Chapel Saturday, 9:30-10:30 a.m., prior to services.
- Interment will be in the Tonaquint Cemetery, St. George, Utah.
Condolences may be left online. Arrangements have been made under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, 435-673-2454.