Richard McKay Obituary

Richard F. Mc Kay
October 2, 1935 - June 9, 2025
Our beloved 89 year old Richard F. Mc Kay died peacefully in his home in the presence of members of his family. Born in San Francisco on October 2, 1935, Richard spent all of his childhood and many of his adult years in the City by the Bay. His parents walked across the Golden Gate Bridge on opening day with Richard in his baby carriage. At age ten he began working to help support his family as a gardener at a nunnery and delivering the newspaper, while attending school. He continued to work as a gardener until age 88, 38 years of which were as a gardener and foreman gardener with the City of San Francisco. Many of the street trees in SF were planted by Richard and his summer youth crews. After his retirement from The City, he had private garden customers all over the bay area. He moved to Sebastopol and bought his first house about 35 years ago and lived in Santa Rosa with his wife Debbie for the last 20 years.
Richard was a kind and caring person. When he was about 15 he rescued a family from a house fire he spotted while delivering newspapers. He climbed up to the second story balcony to awaken the family, who were then able to escape the fire. Through his kindness and talents in the garden, Richard brough joy to many people throughout his life.
Richard had a wide variety of interests. He loved movies from the 30s & 40s. He proudly served 12 years in the National Guard. He read extensively about World War II and many other conflicts trying to understand the origins of war and how mankind could avoid future wars. His extensive book collection has been donated to the Sonoma County Library.
He had a wonderful life that included attending the SF Symphony, opera, ballet, and many plays. He loved traveling, fine dining, reading, visiting parks and gardens, and walking in nature.
His parents Helen Teixeria and John "Jack" Mc Kay, Sister Carolyn Mc Kay, and first wife Diane O'Brien, predeceased him.
His survivors include his sister Marilyn Hawes and her partner Ron McDonough; four children Jennifer Mc Kay, Marcelle Chamlee, Charmain Shimetz and Sherman Lawrence Mc Kay and their families; stepsons, David Mc Intyre & Darrin Jenkins and their families; his wife, Debbie Mc Kay; and many grandchildren.
A celebration of his life will be held in the late summer. Donations in his memory may be made to the Sonoma County Parks Foundation.