Brian was born to Keith and Louise (Ziegler) McKay on May 1, 1954. Brian lived and attended school in Sturgis, graduating in 1972. After attending SDSU in Brookings, Brian married Janice Cronin in Huron, SD, in 1976. They lived in Sturgis and Pleasant Valley. After their divorce, he made his home east of Sturgis.
On Election Day 2004, Brian reconnected with an old high school friend, Candy Bracewell, at the Presbyterian Church Election Day dinner. That spark led to the beginning of a wonderful 15-year marriage filled with laughter, love, countless traveling adventures and an occasional "learning opportunity / disagreement!" His jovial smile and nonstop teasing lit up any room. When he and Candy married, Brian became a proud stepdad and grandpa. Many wonderful memories were made with five grandchildren!
In his high school and college years, Brian spent a lot of time on the slopes of Terry Peak both for enjoyment and as a ski instructor. Brian spent many years operating downtown businesses with his dad, Keith. Between Brian at the Ben Franklin store and Keith at McKay Drug, they employed lots of local people. Many lasting friendships were made during his time on Main Street. Prior to retirement, he owned his own ad specialties company which also included a commercial embroidery business. Brian enjoyed hunting and golfing, but his passion was fly fishing. He looked forward to his weekly adventures with Ray and Paul. Brian also had a passion for cooking, always grilling up some delicious food to share.
Brian Keith McKay, 66, died unexpectedly Monday, November 2, 2020.
Grateful for having shared his life is his wife, Candy; stepson, Brad Humpal, and stepdaughter, JaNohn Thacker, both of Gillette, WY; his father, Keith McKay of Sturgis; brother, Scott (Liz) McKay of Colorado; niece, Allison of Colorado; nephew, Billy of Colorado; his sister-in-law, Betty Reed of Wheatland; and his grandchildren, Niveah, Benton, and Jersey Thacker and Braizyn and Pyper Humpal.
Preceding him in death were his mother, Louise; brother, Tom Reed; Uncle Bob and Aunt Bernice Murphey; and his maternal and paternal grandparents.
Visitation will be on Friday, November 6, 2020, from 5-7 pm at Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis, SD.
Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 7, 2020, at Bear Butte Cemetery with Pastor Kris Garlick officiating. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Memorials have been established to Grace Lutheran Church and the Meade County Rural Ambulance District.

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