Ralph James McKay 1896-1949

MCKAY, SOPER, SHINE, BLACK

Posted By: Merllene Andre Bendixen (email)
Date: 11/24/2013 at 00:47:39

Ralph McKay Succumbs to Heart Attack
Lumber Dealer Here Many Years
Ralph J. Mckay, 52, long time Estherville lumber dealer, died at his home at 12:30 a.m. today of heart attack. He had been suffering from a heart ailment for about 10 years. He had been ill yesterday afternoon, but was feeling better by the time he went to bed.

McKay went into the lumber business here with his father, J.H. McKay about 27 years ago, and since his father’s death has continued operation of the business. During the past year he has been assisted in management of the company by his son, Jim.

He served as a member of the board of education for the Estherville Independent school district for eight years, from 1932 to 1940. McKay was an indefatigable worker for local schools as a board member and maintained an active interest in school affairs after he no longer was a board member.

He was an ardent follower of high school and junior college athletic teams and rarely missed a game of either team. He was a member of the Presbyterian church and was affiliated with the Masonic and Elks lodges.

McKay was a veteran of World War I, a commissioner of the Emmet county Soldiers relief commission, was active in the American Legion and a Chamber of Commerce member. During the years he has served on various C of C committees.

The deceased was born July 27, 1897, in Decorah, son of Mr. and Mrs. J.H. McKay. When he was eight years old, he moved to Emmet county with his parents, who settled on a farm near Estherville schools. About 27 years ago he was married to Edith Lorraine Soper of Estherville. The couple has lived in Estherville ever since.

Survivors include his wife, a son, Jim, in Estherville, two daughters, Mrs. Joe Shine of Chicago and Grace McKay of Fort Dodge, a brother-in-law, Horace Soper of Estherville, and a sister-in-law, Mrs. Homer Black of Chicago.

Services have not been arranged as yet.

Friends who wish to pay their last respects may do so by calling at the Sandin funeral home from now up to the time of services. (Estherville Daily News, Estherville, IA, July 14, 1949)