Larry L. McKay
3/24/45 – 2/4/25

Larry McKay loved adventure. On February 4, 2025, he departed for his final adventure and arrived in the loving arms of his Heavenly Father. Larry was a man of integrity, compassion, loyalty, and great love. Heaven has received the best of the best for sure.

Larry was born in Tacoma on March 24, 1945, to Harry and Mary (Gladys) McKay, joining his older brother John. A few years later, his sister Kathy joined the family.

Larry graduated from Stadium High School in 1963. Following his graduation from Bates Vocational School in 1964, Larry started his long and successful journey in the flooring industry. He worked for several flooring companies throughout the years and retired from CR Floors and Interiors as a field superintendent in 2022. Larry was known and respected in the flooring industry for his work ethic, honesty, friendliness, and reliability.

At the age of 12, Larry went on a hike with his brother John in the Olympic National Forest and became hooked on the great outdoors. Larry would later introduce his wife Julie and his five children to camping, hiking, fishing, boating, motorcycles, and other outdoor activities. He would frequently pack the family into his van and head off for some kind of outdoor escapade. Larry also enjoyed volunteering to clean up campgrounds during the offseason. He would jokingly say that doing so allowed him to spend time in nature, but more importantly, allowed him to camp for free.

One of Larry's happy places was his parents' cabin near the Duckabush River and Hoodsport, which the family visited regularly. When the kids weren't being spoiled by Grandma and Grandpa, they could be found exploring, hiking, playing in the river, and creating lifetimes of memories with Larry and Julie.

As a man of adventure, Larry loved to travel, especially with Julie. Some of their favorite trips were to the Virgin Islands, West Indies, Mexico, Arizona, Hawaii, and anywhere in the Pacific Northwest. A few years ago, Larry and his best friend Ron Wadsworth traveled to Peru and had quite an experience. Larry also enjoyed scuba diving and snorkeling in his younger days.

Larry was a people person and would talk with anybody, anywhere, about anything. He was curious by nature and never tired of learning new things. He was an avid reader and especially enjoyed history.

Larry's greatest love was for his family and friends. He and Julie celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in September 2024. If you were to ask either one of them, they would tell you they were more in love now than they were 50 years ago. Larry's words to Julie's parents when he asked for her hand in marriage were, "Julie is the love of my life." Julie undoubtedly felt that love every day of their lives together.

Larry was a wonderful father to his five children and never failed to provide for, support, teach, or love them. He adored his grandchildren and was an amazing Papa.

Larry is survived by his wife Julie; sons Kevin (Mary Jo), David (Sandy), and Chad (Samantha); daughter Tina Ringrose (Jimmy). Grandchildren Dawna (Travis), Jennifer, Milo, Nicholas, Lucia, and Ellie; great-grandchildren Luke and Liam. His brother John (Delores) and sister Kathy Simmons (Jay); good friends Ron and Laura Wadsworth and Pete and Jeanine Kneeland; many nieces and nephews and extended family; and of course, his fur babies Sadie, his very spoiled dachshund, and Oliver, AKA "Fat Cat", his very fat kitty.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents and beloved son Joshua.

Although we will miss Larry immensely, we take comfort in knowing that he is free of his illness and once again with those he loved and lost during his lifetime. There is no doubt that Larry is watching over us all and keeping the campfire ablaze for our heavenly reunions with him.

Isaiah 40:31
They who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.