Wayne Thomas Mckay

Wayne Thomas McKay, 81, of Fort Shaw, died of heart failure after less than a day at Benefis Hospital, Great Falls, Montana on the morning of President’s Day, Monday, February 19, 2018. Wayne’s wishes were for cremation.A private gathering will be held this summer to celebrate his life. Wayne was born in Cottage Grove, Oregon to Willard and Dorothy McKay. He grew up on the family farm in Cottage Grove with sisters, Faye and Colleen and brother, Zane.It was there, Wayne learned his lifelong work ethic and love of hunting and fishing. In Cottage Grove he attended High School with his three siblings. During World War II, he worked in the mines providing necessary materials for the war effort.Later he worked as a machinist in his home town. Wayne’s first marriage to Sally provided him with his three sons; Dallas, Mark and Jerry.Wayne and Sally were later divorced.He was married to Mary Ann Van Nortwich on March 4, 1965 in Coquille, Oregon.They moved to Fort Shaw, Montana in 1971 where they continue to live. During his working years, Wayne worked on many road construction crews throughout the state of Montana.He served his Union in many official capacities.His real love each fall was setting up his hunting camp and outfitting for hunters in the mountains east of Lincoln, Montana.He provided wonderful hunting experiences for many over the years.In later years, he enjoyed sharing his hunting camp stories. In retirement, Wayne continued to work helping neighbors with their property needs and hunting in the fall.He took up hunting with a camera, at all times of the year, capturing many amazing wildlife photographs.Many of the deer he knew by sight.The deer around his home were not afraid of him and he had named many of them. He is survived by his wife, Mary Ann; sons Dallas, Mark, and Jerry; siblings Faye, Colleen, and Zane; grandchildren Aaron, Megan, Nicole, and Joshua; and several great-grandchildren.He will be greatly missed by Sophie the dog and Smokey the cat, especially when it is meal time. Memorials may be sent to the Humane Society, P.O. Box 1774 Great Falls, MT 59403 or Animal Rescue groups in donor’s own community.