Louis Alexander McKay, Sr. passed away peacefully on January 12, 2019, at age 95. Under the VA Hospice Care Hospital at Crest View Manor, Escondido. He was born in Douglas, Arizona, June 14, 1923. He leaves 5 children, 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren, 5 nephews and nieces. His grown children are Bradford Douglas McKay, Louis A. McKay, Jr. (choreographer, singer and dancer for The Debbie Reynolds Show for seven years; also, owner of the North County DanceArts, Inc. in San Diego), Lance Atkins McKay, Lisa McKay and Lita Adel Arvizu. He leaves his brother Wilford Cruz, and sisters Wilma Miller, Rose Clements, and Uncle of Dr. Lori Travis raised in Beverly Hills.

Louis Alexander McKay, Sr., World War ll veteran survivor, (there are only 2% living survivors) and honored to be a Marine, served in the Pacific War (December 7, 1941 – September 2, 1945) and was wounded in Okinawa (known as one of the bloodiest battles in the Pacific). For two years, he recuperated at the San Diego Naval Hospital, San Diego. He attended Douglas High School, Douglas, Arizona (star athlete) and went to Los Angeles Beauty College, Los Angeles, attained a Master’s degree from the University of San Diego, San Diego, and continued to get his teaching credential. As a proud owner for many years of the popular, “Louis A. McKay Beauty Salon,” San Diego, he became President of the California Board of Cosmetology. His true love in life was singing (baritone): taught voice, performed and directed traditional and oratorios at various theaters, civic groups, churches and multiple venues; including La Strada Repertory Co., Los Angeles, Starlight Opera, San Diego, San Diego Opera, San Diego, and the Orange County Performing Arts Center. Louis had fun acting and doing commercials in Hollywood (managed by Club Beverly Hills Management, Rose Clements, owner/sister). He, also, taught at San Diego Elementary Schools. Louis always enjoyed challenges. He attained numerous awards and certificates throughout his lifetime.
Memorial services will be held on February 7, 2019, University Christian Church, 3900 Cleveland Ave., San Diego, at 11:30 a.m., followed by military service at Miramar National Cemetery, 5795 Nobel Dr., San Diego at 1:30 p.m. Family requests that, in lieu of flowers, please make donations to Bells of Freedom: Street Name: 12750 Carmel Country Road, Suite 103, San Diego, CA 92130 – Website: www.BellsOfFreedom.org. – E-email: info@bellsoffreedom.org. – Phone: 858-792-1003.