Shannon McKay

April 8, 1949 – April 22, 2017

Michael Shannon McKay of Othello was called home on April 22 surrounded by his wife and children. Shannon was born April 8, 1949, in Prosser, Wash., to Edgar and Betty (McCullough) McKay. He was raised in Othello, a community that he loved dearly and served throughout his life.

Shannon was a 1967 graduate of Othello High School. On Oct. 18, 1969, Shannon married the love of his life, Joleen Smasne. Together they were blessed with three children, who were his pride and joy. Family was the center of his life, and he found great pleasure in each of his grandchildren.

Shannon started farming in the Columbia Basin just out of high school. He expanded his passion for agriculture as an agri-businessman in 1984 establishing Olympic Produce, followed by Olympic Potato in 1993. Branching out of agriculture, Shannon and Joleen re-established R.F. McDougal’s in Richland in 1998. Shannon enjoyed meeting patrons and establishing lifetime relationships in every venture.

Having a servant’s heart, Shannon served his community with commitment and honor. He served Othello as a school board member for 12 years. Once his children were out of the school system, he gave of his time as a city council member for two years before becoming Mayor in 2004. During his time as Mayor, he was instrumental in adopting Wulensi, Ghana, as Othello’s Sister City. To honor Shannon, an experimental farm to feed the people of this area will be named “Shannon McKay Farm.” The creation of this farm and the effort to make it a reality for the people of Wulensi was of great importance to him. Shannon was recognized for his service in 2011 as Othello’s Citizen of the Year, an honor he was humbled by.

Shannon’s soft spot for his dogs and horses was evident to all who knew him. His love of horses came from his dad, and Shannon in turn shared this passion with his son. Shannon bred and raised Quarter Horses for over 43 years.

Shannon is survived by his wife of 47 years, Joleen; daughter Stacy Aune (Leonard) of LaCrosse; son Michael McKay (Paula) of Othello; daughter Sara Gardner (Kane) of Pasco; grandchildren Austen Montgomery; Ashtyn, Gunnar, Abree and Gage Aune; Rylee and Myles McKay; Everly and Kamryn Gardner; his father Edgar McKay; his sister Tamara Sackett and nephew Sean Sackett as well as numerous nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 29 at the Othello Church of the Nazarene at 11 a.m., followed by a celebration of life luncheon at 1 p.m. at the Othello Golf Course. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Othello Church of the Nazarene to support the Shannon McKay Farm in Ghana. Please note Shannon McKay Memorial on donations. Donations may be sent to 835 S. 10th Avenue; Othello, WA 99344.

Well done, good and faithful servant. Matthew 25:21

To leave an online condolence to the McKay family, please visit our website at www.stevensfc.com.