Joe was previously married to Ruth (Grosswiler) from 1961 through 2005, before her passing.

“I have no regrets. I’ve had a really ‘good run.” Coach McKay, 2024.

Joe was born in Bridgeport, Nebraska, the first of two children to Edmund and Lucille (Middleswart) McKay. Joe was raised in western Nebraska, coming up through the Bridgeport school system. Joe enrolled in Scottsbluff Junior College, and later Chadron State College, earning a Track

& Field scholarship, and setting a school record clearing 6' 4.5' in the high jump. In 2002 Joe was enshrined in Chadron State’s Hall of Fame. Joe really enjoyed coaching athletes and teaching students at Rushville, NE, and later at Kalispell, MT, where he and Ruth, along with their 2 young boys, Kent and Mike, moved in 1966.

Joe coached many sports, at many different levels; most notably as Head Coach of the Flathead Bravettes Track & Field team for 28 years, that won 12 State championships (and several 2nds and 3rds).

Joe retired from teaching in 1995, and from coaching the Bravettes in May 2001, at which time the Missoulian newspaper (Rial Cummings 5-30-2001) produced a nice summary, saying, “The most successful high school girls’ track and field coach in Montana history has announced his retirement…” Joe was enshrined in the Montana High School Coaches Hall of Fame in 1991, and the National High School Coaches Hall of Fame in 2003. At the renaming of the Kalispell athletics stadium, Coach McKay was honored as “Legend” in the inaugural Class of 2004.

Joe attended the First Presbyterian Church in Kalispell for over 50 years and served as both an Elder and Deacon.

Above all, Joe was fiercely proud of his Bravette athletes and his McKay family. Joe is survived by his sons Kent (Nita)and Mike (Joy), granddaughter Katie (Drew and great-granddaughter Ari Joy), grandson Samuel; along with his loving wife Louise and her children Phil (Corinne), Debbie, and daughter-in-law Mary (John deceased), her 9 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life is planned for Saturday, June 14, at First Presbyterian Church in Kalispell at 11:00 a.m.

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral home is caring for the family, and more information can be found at https://www.jgfuneralhome.