Edward Arthur McKay

Mr. Edward Arthur McKay, 67, of Kannapolis died the evening of Sunday, August 27, 2023 at Atrium Health of Concord. 

Ed was born February 25, 1956 to Alice McKay. He lived throughout the United States with his mother and siblings before falling in love with Vermont and spending most of his adult life there. Vermont is also where he met and fell in love with his wife, Barbara Westbrook. They married September 11, 2004 and spent over 30 years loving and supporting each other.

Ed's hobbies included watching NASCAR and hanging with his close friends and extended family at Talord's. No matter where he lived, Ed was a nature lover. He enjoyed a variety of outdoor activities, especially those that he could share with his loved ones. Whether it was camping at the reservoir with his wife, hiking the Appalachian trail with his siblings, or teaching his daughters and grandchildren how to fish and canoe, Ed was happiest when surrounded by nature and his family. His favorite place in nature was among the mountains, including a particular affinity for Mount Mansfield in the Green Mountains. As such, in lieu of flowers, please make a charitable donation to www.fgrrvt.org/get-involved to help preserve nature’s beauty in the Green Mountains for future generations.

Ed was preceded in death by his mother, Alice McKay; his brother, Raymond McKay; his sister, Deborah McKay Stevens; and his best friend, Brain Marshia. He is survived by his wife Barbara, his sister Lori McKay (Rick Chopper), and his daughters Sonia Westbrook Mott (Jake), Tressa Westbrook, Morgan McKay (Benjamin Hill) and Karla Henderson (Shaun).  He is also survived by his grandchildren Kameryn Mott, Maddison Mott, Palmer McKay, Sawyer Hill, Maxine Hill, and Matthew Hill; his nieces and nephews Luke Chopper, Cole Chopper, Jessica Virtz, Jennifer Stevens, and Jason Stevens, and close friend Mary Marshia.

A private memorial service will be held.

Poem from "Remember Me" by Margaret Mead

I cannot speak, but I can listen.
I cannot be seen, but I can be heard.
So as you stand upon a shore gazing at a beautiful sea,
As you look upon a flower and admire its simplicity,
Remember me.

Hartsell Funeral Home of Concord is serving the McKay family.