February 20, 2018

Linn County News

Published Feb. 21, 2018

Roderick H. McKay, age 71, Pleasanton, Kan., passed away on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2018, at his home. He was born at Klamath Falls, Ore., on Sept. 9, 1946, the son of Roderick Michael and Emily Katherine Rued McKay. 

After graduating from high school, he attended the University of Portland, obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and History. 

He served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War.

On June 12, 1971, he married Mary Barbara Watkins. Together, they traveled with Catholic Relief Services to work in the country of India for a year. 

Rod worked at several different occupations during his working career. However, aviation was his passion. He flew as a crop duster, and was a flight instructor and an airline pilot for United Express in California.

God and Rod’s Catholic faith were number one in his life, followed by his family and providing for them. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; and two sisters, Michelle MacKenzie and Dorothy Payne. 

Rod is survived by his wife Mary Barbara; a son, Paul McKay and wife Kelli; two daughters, Teresa Giugliano and husband Greg, and Angela Knobel and husband Coy; two brothers, Joe and Bob McKay; three sisters, Rena Uhalde, Karen Skinner and Kate Autio; and seven grandchildren, Matt, Lindsey and Nate McKay, Sage Knobel, and Michael, Maximilian and Joseph Giugliano.  

Funeral Requiem Mass was held Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2018, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Mound City, Kan. Burial was in Sacred Heart Cemetery. The rosary was prayed Monday evening.

Contributions are suggested to the Cardinal Kung Foundation, c/o Schneider Funeral Home, P.O. Box J, Mound City, KS 66056. Online condolences for the family can be left at www.schneiderfunerals.com.