Douglas McKay

DOUGLAS MCKAY Cedar Rapids Douglas George McKay, 65, left this life on May 2, 2015, after battling hepatitis C and resulting liver and kidney failure. Doug had a 30-year career in the Washington, DC area as a painting conservator. He relished the role of mentoring young artists and budding conservators, nurturing the enthusiasm and skills of the next generation. A celebration of life was held at the family home in Arlington, Va., on May 10, with satellite remembrances in Iowa. Doug's family asks that in lieu of flowers you consider donations to Arts for All or your local hospice. The beloved husband of Margaret Snyder McKay for 24 years, and proud father of Annastasia Kathleen North, Doug was thrilled to welcome Bryan North to the family as Anna's husband in March of last year. He was the beloved uncle of Kari McKay-Widdel and Jason Widdel, along with Sadja, Talitha, Seth, Jenni, Jessie, Kelly, Morgan, Whitney, Lisle, Aziel, Madison, Molly, Ryan, Emily and Adam. His sister-in-law Laura Jean was a precious part of his life for more than 40 years. He was preceded in death by his father, Gordon Bruce McKay; his mother, Kathryn Ann Claassen; and his brother, Bruce Gordon McKay. Doug was born Nov. 11, 1949 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to Gordon Bruce and Kathryn Ann (Claassen) McKay. He spent his entire youth in Cedar Rapids with his brother Bruce Gordon McKay, summering on Lake Michigan and later in Door County, Wis. His love of boating stayed with him throughout his life, first on Lake Michigan and later in lakes in Iowa and Colorado, in the Caribbean and on the "mighty St. Lawrence" and the Potomac. As a young man Doug engaged in many forms of art ? from metal sculpture to glass blowing to painting ? drawing from the expertise of those around him to explore and develop his creativity. He also had an incredible appreciation for working with tools ? building a geodesic dome with friends to live in in the Colorado mountains, making a living for a time as a Mercury marine mechanic and always working to upgrade his home, his studio or friends' places with his craft. In the early 1980s, Doug moved to Arlington, Va., to apprentice under a painting conservator and friend. Over the next three decades he built a loyal clientele of private owners, galleries and museums who appreciated his loving attention to everything from 17th century portraits to treasures painted by a beloved family member. He absolutely loved being able to bring joy to owners of fine art by restoring their pieces to their original beauty. In 1989, Doug was set up on a blind date by his friends Susan and Steven Kniss. He would never be the same . . . that evening he fell in love with 17-month-old Annastasia Kathleen Snyder. And it was mutual. Anna's mom, Margaret Snyder, was a determined single mom who wasn't sure she wanted a man in their lives, but within two months Doug had met Margaret's family in Alexandria Bay, N.Y., and they began making wedding plans. On Aug. 4, 1990, Margaret and Doug were married on an antique tour boat in front of Boldt Castle in the Thousand Islands. Doug's mom noted that day her great joy in Doug joining Margaret's family ? mother Dorothy and eight wonderful siblings and their families. Each year, Doug, Margaret and Anna spent time in the summer on the beloved Snyder family legacy that is Rough Island. While Margaret killed bait, Doug ran the boat. He taught Anna to canoe. He photographed lichen, and he adored his in-laws. Doug was beloved by his mother-in-law Dorothy and it was mutual. He delighted in teasing his sister-in-law Barbara Anne Snyder and making her giggle. He was never happier than behind the wheel of a stinkpot on the St. Lawrence or onboard a sailboat in the Caribbean with his sister-in-law Laura and her children. One of Anna's earliest memories is of the back yard on Oakland Street, when Doug used the mower to create a winding path leading up to the playhouse. To a little girl it was like an opportunity to be in a storybook, and even at that age she knew her father had thought of this and done this just for her. This wasn't the first or last example of Doug being a uniquely creative and thoughtful father. Anna's "Pebbles" Halloween costume included a carved, sanded and painted "bone" for her hair. When she was later the Pink Power Ranger ? a very popular choice that year among girls ? she was the only one who had a handcrafted pink matching bow. Doug's kind and nurturing spirit shone through as he encouraged her interests as she grew and taught her how to be an independent and critical-thinking young woman. Throughout their years together, Margaret and Doug loved their roles as parents more than any other. They admired Anna's creative writing, her incredible friendships and her strong sense of justice, loyalty and commitment. As Anna built her own life, Margaret and Doug spent increasing time together. They visited the Caribbean with their friends and family. They bought a pontoon boat and Doug hosted water tours of the nation's capital. They hosted summer and winter solstice parties to acknowledge their great thankfulness for family and friends. In all things, Doug was a kind, gentle, generous spirit, with a slight touch of stubbornness. His wonderful mind, sweet heart and commitment to those he loved live on in his family and friends.