Keith Merrill McKay D.M.D.

BANGOR – Keith McKay, 98, died Feb. 5, 2024. He was born April 6, 1925, in Caribou, the son of Earl and Jenny Shea McKay. He attended the University of Maine, Orono, where he met his future bride, Barbara Haney.

He served in World War II in the 42nd Battalion, Army Corps of Engineers in the Philippines (1943-1945). He returned to the U.S. to attend Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, graduating with a D.M.D. in 1952. He had a general dentistry practice in Augusta for 23 years, then joined the dental staff at the VA Center, Togus, in 1975, retiring in 1990. He was a member of several professional and social groups, including the American Dental Association, the Maine Dental Association, the Kennebec Valley Dental Assoc., Down East Yacht Club, Shadagee Falls Club (hunting and fishing), and the Sugarloaf Ski Club.

He married Barbara Haney of Portland in 1951, and they raised three children, Ann, Jane and Daniel. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed gardening, skiing, fishing, and hunting. The family had a ski lodge at Sugarloaf. He took the family on summer vacation trips all over the northeastern U.S. and the maritime provinces of Canada each year, and he planned a coast-to-coast camping trip across the country for the family. After his retirement, he and Barbara travelled all over the world on various trips and cruises. He was a handyman and carpenter and always a ready source for help needed by family, friends and neighbors on any “fix-it” project. He had a wonderful, dry Maine sense of humor and never forgot his ties with “the County.” He will be sorely missed. He was predeceased by his son, Daniel Keith McKay (1956-1982); and his wife, Barbara (1927-2011).

A note of thanks and appreciation to the staff at Winterberry Heights/Assisted Living, where he has spent the last two years or so. Also, to Gentiva Hospice, for their extra care and efforts.

Private interment will be held this spring at Maine Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery, Augusta.

Condolences to the family may be expressed at BrookingsSmith.com.

In lieu of flowers, etc., donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, at alz.org/donate.

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