Wilson Mckay

Wilson (Bill) F. McKay of Chatham, NY passed away on Wednesday, April 30, 2025 at the age of 74. He was born on June 30, 1950, the son of the Late Lester McKay Sr. and Catherine (Wood) McKay. He was best known for his gentle nature and love of people and community. He worked as a bus driver for COARC assisting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. He had over 50 years in the volunteer fire service as a former member of Defreestville Fire and Mellenville Fire; he was a life member of South Schodack Volunteer Fire and Ocean (Chatham) Fire Company #1. In addition, he was actively involved in Chatham's Fire Police, Columbia County Fire Police, Treasurer of the Columbia County Volunteer Fire Police, Region 8 Director of Volunteer Fire Police State of New York receiving the George E. Woodman Award, Hudson Mohawk Volunteer Fire Association, and past president and member of Loyal order of the Blue Vests and various other organizations related to community services. He was past president of Ocean Fire Company # 1 receiving the Axe award in 2024. He also volunteered for the Columbia County Office for the Aging at the Greenport, Chatham, and Valatie sites; St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Chatham. Over the years he has received many recognitions and awards all in relation to his community service.

Wilson is pre-deceased by his wife Linda and brother Peter McKay, Sr., as well as sister in-laws Sarah McKay and Pamela McKay.

He is survived by his daughter Laura Lynde (Todd), granddaughters Kylien Lynde and Jacquelyn Lynde, great-grandson Camdyn Evans, brothers Lester McKay, Sr. (Carol) and Dennis McKay, Sr. as well as many nieces and nephews.

Family will receive friends at the French, Gifford, Preiter & Blasl Funeral Home, Chatham NY; Monday May 5th from 5 to 7pm. Funeral service will be Tuesday at 11am in the funeral home. Interment at the Woodlawn Cemetery in East Schodack, NY.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Chatham Fire Department. Condolences may be conveyed at frenchblasl.com.