CHARLESTON and MIMS, Fla. – Senior Master Sgt. Thomas R. McKay, retired, 74, died Dec. 6, 2011, at his home after a seven-year battle with cancer. He was born Dec. 14, 1936, in Bangor, son of Ralph T. and Florence M. (Philbrick) MacKay.
Tom grew up in Hermon and left in 1955 to join the U.S. Marine Corps. Upon returning home he had a 20-year career as a printer in the Bangor-Brewer area and the University of Maine, Orono. Tom retired from the Maine Air National Guard at Bangor International Airport after a 29-year military career. He was an alert crew chief for the 101st Air Refueling Wing. Tom was a member of Kenduskeag Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rites and Anah Temple Shrine, where he belonged to the Mini Bike Unit and the Sunshine Club. He was a past president of Northeast Shrine Motor Corps. Tom was a member of American Legion and Air Force Sergeants Association. Also he was a past member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Hermon, and Knights of Columbus, Bangor.
Tom is survived by his wife of 55 years, Lorraine; and two daughters, Valerie Cammack of Bangor and Laurel McKay of Charleston; five grandchildren, two great-grandsons; sister, Linda McMaster of Beverly, Mass.; several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents; daughter, Christine; son, Daniel; and grandson, Adam Fournier.
Interment will be at Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Augusta. Those who wish to remember Tom may do so in their own special way or make gifts in his memory to an organization of their choice. Condolences to the family may be expressed at
www.BrookingsSmith.com.