Gary J. McKay Sr. was born on Jan. 2, 1936 in Friday Harbor, Wash., and passed away on Jan. 4, 2010 in Bellingham, Wash.

He was 74.

Gary was the great-grandson of Charles McKay, who first raised the U.S. flag on San Juan Island after British troops left in 1872.

Gary was the star basketball player of Friday Harbor High School and was well-liked by everyone. He was a member of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe.

He was preceded in death by his father, Theodore “Ted” McKay; mother, Nora B. McKay; and sister, Lucretia Larsen.

Survivors include his daughters, Shaitlo Hawn (Brett) of Bothell, Wash., Lucretia (John) of Puyallup, and Jeannie (John) of Seattle; son, Gary Jr. of Seattle; sister, Marie Pavlik (Peter) of Bellingham; brother-in-law, Al Larsen of Bellingham; grandchildren, Opal, Julius, Deseree, Frankie, Tristan, Destiny, Justin, and baby Gary McKay; numerous nieces and nephews; and beloved pet, Bandit.

The family thanks close friends Lara and Andy, Troy, Eddie, Dale, Claire, Bruce and any other of his welding students that helped Gary during his illness.

Memorial donations may be made to Whatcom Hospice at

www.hospicehelp.org or by mail to 800 E. Chestnut, Suite 1C, Bellingham, WA. 98225.

You may share your thoughts and memories of Gary in the online memorial guest book at www.molesfuneralhomes.com.

— Family of Gary J. McKay Sr.