Robert Lynn McKay, 84, of Payson, Utah, passed away on May 1, 2026. He was born on November 18, 1941, in Bozeman, Montana, to Carl Robert McKay and Lynette “Peg” Martin.
Bob was raised in several communities throughout Montana—including Belgrade, Bozeman, Butte, and Great Falls—as well as Kearns, Utah, as his father’s work with the Federal Aviation Administration required frequent moves. He graduated from Granger High School in 1960. He briefly attended Southern Utah University, where he played college football, before transferring to the University of Utah, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1966. Bob married Mary Kathleen Callahan, and together they raised six children.
Bob dedicated his professional life to education and coaching. He began his career at Jordan High School and went on to teach at Provo High School for nearly three decades, retiring in 1997. He was honored as Teacher of the Year in 1992. In addition to his work in the classroom, Bob taught driver’s education and had a lasting impact on generations of students.
Coaching was one of Bob’s greatest passions. He coached wrestling, track, and baseball, but his greatest love was football. He loved the game and the young men he mentored, and he believed that football played an important role in developing character, discipline, and leadership. His influence extended far beyond the field, and he took great pride in the lives of those he coached.
Bob was known for his steady presence, his good sense of humor, and his appreciation for life’s simple pleasures. He was rarely seen without one of his signature baseball caps and was a loyal supporter of University of Utah football.
Bob was grateful to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was baptized in 1961 and served in many callings throughout his life, including numerous ward and stake assignments. He also served as a missionary in the Provo Mission office, at the Bishop’s Storehouse, and as a temple worker in the Provo Utah Temple. He loved studying the scriptures and, when given the opportunity, bearing his testimony.
He is survived by his wife, Sarah Yvonne McKay, whom he married in July 2021 and with whom he shared his final years. He is also survived by his children, numerous grandchildren, and a growing number of great-grandchildren. He found joy in his home life with Sarah, including time spent with their beloved dog, Luna, and their cats.
The family expresses sincere appreciation to the caregivers and staff at Utah Valley Hospital for their kindness and care.
A viewing will be held on Wednesday evening, May 6, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Walker Funeral Home, 587 South 100 West, Payson, Utah. Graveside services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at Provo City Cemetery, 610 South State Street, Provo, Utah.
1 Condolence for Robert Lynn “Bob” McKay
Condolence(1)
Gary Ashton says
May 4, 2026 at 11:22 pmBob was my football coach and I also enjoyed coaching football with him for nearly a decade at Provo high school during the late 70’s and most of the 80’s. Back then, the Bulldogs rarely lost to the Thunderbirds.😉
Bob was truly dedicated to the young men he coached as well as the students in his classroom. He will be missed.