Allen J. McKay

Allen James McKay, (Mniwa-Cha Wanyanka Hoksina) son of Catherine McKay Rosal was born on February 20, 1944 in Seattle, Washington. He was raised by his grandparents, Alphonse and Mary Jane McKay in Fort Totten, North Dakota. He graduated high school from Flandreau, South Dakota. After graduating he enlisted in the United States Coast Guard and served his country honorably for four years during the Vietnam era. He was honorably discharged in 1969 and proudly served as a member of the Spirit Lake VFW Post #6547 and was commander for several years. He graduated from the University of North Dakota in 1974 with a Bachelor of Science in Education. Al worked in a variety of federal, tribal, educational, and private industry positions over thirty-seven years until his retirement in 2011. He held several positions from Early Childhood teacher, Tribal Planner and Dean of Students. Al also served his community as the Fort Totten District Representative in 1982. He excelled in a variety of sports including slow pitch, bowling, table tennis, billiards and basketball. Al loved music and attended many live concerts over the years. A real lover of rock n’ roll, he enjoyed dancing and entertaining his friends. He was also a lover of cars and owned a variety of them over the years. Al was loved by all who knew him and will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Preceded in death by his son Scott McKay; mother Catherine Rosal; his sister Lois Varon; nephew Jason Varon and grandparents Alphonse and Mary Jane. Survived by: Brothers: Jay D. McKay, Stanley Rosal, Gregory Rosal and Christopher Rosal Sisters: Angelita Rosal Bengtsson and Monica Rosal Aunts: Mildred Chase and Hermenia McKay Uncle: Aloysius McKay Many nieces, nephews and cousins. The active pall bearers are Scott Chase, Sam McKay, Jerry Jensen, Brian McKay, Kenny Graywater Jr., Cody Graywater Sr. and Bradley Jensen. Honorary pallbearers are his friends and all those who have known him and loved him. Allen J. McKay, 70 of Fort Totten, ND passed away on Sunday, February 15, 2015 at Altru Hospital, Grand Forks, ND. Visitation will be held at Seven Dolors Catholic Church, Fort Totten, ND Thursday, February 19, 2015 beginning at 5:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. with a Rosary Service at 7:00 p.m. The procession to Fort Totten will leave at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday from the former Wal-Mart. Mass of the Resurrection will be held on Friday, February 20th at 10:00 a.m. also at Seven Dolors Catholic Church with Father Charles Leute OP celebrating the Mass. Military Honors will be accorded by the Spirit Lake VFW Post #6547.