Keith P Mackay 90 passed away June 5th surrounded by loved ones. The foundation of Keith’s life was his belief and testimony in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He was a builder of men and served the Lord all his life through his many projects and restorations for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He will be remembered for his selfless service, hard work, generosity, and unwavering love for his family. Keith was born on May 16th, 1930 in Salt Lake City Ut to Stewart and Lucille MacKay. The second of three boys, Keith grew up in Salt Lake City learning the value of hard work from a young age. Starting at 13 years old Keith put his heart and soul into his work, determined to be successful. He married his childhood sweetheart, Ardith Averett, on September 24th, 1948. Together they started Keith’s Business, State Stone, and spent their life building a legacy. Keith and Ardith’s greatest joy were their beautiful family, they welcomed 6 beautiful daughters 3 of whom lived to adulthood. Keith considered it a privilege to have spent his life serving the Lord through many different callings in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints where his favorite was serving as Bishop for 11 years. Keith used his artistic skills and craftmanship to restore many Temples and historical buildings. One of the highlights of his service was serving as Temple Project Stone Coordinator over the rebuilding of the Nauvoo Temple during his 3 ½ year mission. After the love of his life, Ardith passed away he was married to Karma Allred for 16 years until her passing. He spent his later years enjoying his 11 granddaughters, 1 grandson, 22 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-granddaughter always supporting them in every area of life. In 2014 Keith married his lifetime friend, Ruth Oborn, together they spent the rest of his life supporting and loving each other. Keith is survived by his loving wife, Ruth Oborn Mackay, his three daughters Tamara (Gary) Bagley, Debra (Shawn) Helton, and Marcia (Mark) Pentelute, his sisters-in-law Gaynell and Irene Mackay. Keith is preceded in death by his parents Stewart and Lucille Mackay, his wife, Ardith Averett, his wife Karma Allred, his two brothers Lowell Stuart Mackay and Elmer Maurice MacKay. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, private graveside services will be held at the Salt Lake City Cemetery. A celebration of life will be held for Keith at a later date
All our love and sympathy to you and your family... we love your Dad and appreciated the great man he was. The heavens are rejoicing!, but he will be missed by all.
So sorry to read about your dad. He was so energetic I thought he would keep working for many more years. He certainly loved his family and alway spoke of you with great pride. He always had great ideas on how to improve things and maintain varies historical structures. Give my best to his wife. With sympathy, Natasha Madsen, former Manti mayor
My association with Keith started in 1985 as his banker. It developed into a relationship of good friends. We talked of life, families, faith, and work. Keith was a hard worker who loved his family, his employees, his friends, and his Savior who he served so faithfully. Keith is a good man who I feel blessed to call my friend. My condolences to his family.
Keith was my bishop during those 11 years in Cannon 3rd Ward. I also knew and loved Ruth Oborn and her husband and family. He had a very good influence on my son, as I went to church without a husbands help.
He was a MucH LOVED bishop. He especially took care of the widows. I was looking forward to seeing him and Ruth when Ruth's granddaughter would be blessed. Emily and Steven live in my ward. The pandemic will probably not allow a public blessing. My married name when I lived in the ward was McConkie. I send my love and condolences to all his family.
Loraine McConkie Crow Roberts
So very grateful to have known this wonderful man and his amazing family. He changed our family when he friended my father and showed him a true living example of being a member or the church. Fantastic memories of Bishop Mackay and so many fun activities he provided for the youth of our ward. We love you all so much. We send our love to you.
We are thinking of you guys during this time, so sorry for your loss. 🧡
Keith's obituary made reference to the legacy he has left in the temples and other magnificent stone monuments he had a hand in building over his eventful lifetime. However, during a visit I had with him several months ago, I mentioned to Keith what I believe to be his greatest legacy - that of the love, kindness and directional leadership he extended to those of us fortunate enough to be "his boys" during the 11 years he served as Bishop of the Cannon 3rd Ward. The tears that welled up in his eyes at that moment let me know he agreed.
Thanks Keith, for this eternal legacy. I have had many Bishops during my life, but to me, Bishop Keith Mackay will forever be "my Bishop."
keith - He will always be known as a special client of mine at KLS-Tv. The many trips we went on is a special part of my life. I was surprised at his young age and he will always be remembered as a close friend. Thanks for the gospel in our lives and I look forward to seeing him again. My heart goes out to his wonderful wife and we both know that we will see him soon. May the Lord bless you at this time.
A friend always, Russ Sorensen
Keith and surviving family, Keith was a dear friend, mentor and father figure to me. Keiths kindness and talents have and will influence me throughout my life and eternally. I was introduced to Keith while he was working on the Manti Temple in 1996. Keith never let an opportunity pass to teach me. His passion for his trade and love for life will always be a shining example to me. I know of no other person at his age who worked more tirelessly and with more passion than Keith. Knowing Keith, he has already been put to work teaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ and making sure that the stone work is perfectly done. Keiths memory will forever be sweet to me.
