McKAY, Mae (nee McArthur), September 3, 1921 - November 14, 2002 late of Camarillo, California, passed away after a prolonged illness at Sherman Oaks Hospital Sherman Oaks, California. She leaves to mourn her passing: brother Ron, Carpenteria, California, Tom (Tam) Port Alberni, sister Edith Dawson (Fred) Nanaimo, B.C., daughter Sheila Mae Larson (Keith) Escondido, California, son Dr. Gordon McKay of Camarillo, California. Surviving her also, granddaughter Kimberly (Mike) Marsdon of Temecula, California, Karla Larson of Escondido, California. She was predeceased by brother Alex in 1999. Mae was born and raised in Nanaimo (Harewood District) and during her formative years became well known for her tap dancing with her partner Audrey Hughes. She also became proficient in the Highland Fling and the Scottish Sword Dance. She met and married Gordon McKay whil he was stationed at Camp Nanaimo and was married in 1941 this marriage lasted 54 years until Gordon’s death in 1995, Gordon was ticket agent at the CPR Wharf until 1958 when the CPR ceased all ship traffic out of Nanaimo. Because jobs were scarce Gordon moved his family to California settling in Santa Monica and lived there for a few years. Mae was a 40 year member of Ocean Park Chapter OES and served as worthy matron in 1962 with Gordon as her worthy patron. Mae leaves numerous cousins, nephews, aunts and uncles in and about Nanaimo and Vancouver Island. She also leaves a host of friends and neighbours in Camarillo where she lived for approximately 10 years. In addition she leaves many friends in Nanaimo as well as her dearest friend Vic Hanna. Mae will be cremated and her ashes returned to Nanaimo in the family plot in Bowen Road Cemetery at a later date which will be announced in due time. God saw she was tired and sore and called her to rest to be with the best.
May you rest in peace for evermore Mae. Lovingly your family and dear friends.