With Gunn McKay
Koln Gunn McKay (1925-–2000) was an American politician who represented the state of Utah in the the Ninety-second Congress and in the four succeeding congresses (January 3, 1971 to –January 3, 1981).
McKay was born in Ogden Weber County, Utah, on February 23, 1925. He attended the Weber County public schools and Weber State College in Ogden, and Utah State University in Logan. After service in the United States Coast Guard, he worked as a farmer, businessman and high school history teacher.
McKay began his political career in the Utah house of representatives in 1962, completing two terms. He served on prominent house committees including the legislative council, Utah Long Range Goals and Planning Committee, and the Utah Government Reorganization Committee. McKay was appointed as administrative assistant to Utah Governor Calvin L. Rampton, a fellow Democrat, between 1967 and 1970.
Utahn's in the state's 1st District elected McKay as a Democrat to the Ninety-second Congress in 1971, and he served in four succeeding Congresses. During his political career, McKay was a strong advocate of government development in Utah. As chairman of the Military Construction Subcommittee, McKay reopened UtahÂ’s Minute Man Missile production line, secured the F-16 fighter mission for Hill Air Force Base, Utah, and appropriated funding to increase security at Tooele, UtahÂ’s nerve gas storage facility.
McKay also worked to ensure protection for Utah'’s natural resources, securing funding that further developed the Glen Canyon, Arches, and Zion National Parks. He also drafted legislation on UtahÂ’s Lone Peak Wilderness Area and on the Clean Air Act.
However, as the Republican party made significant advances in western politics, McKay found himself rejected by Utah voters in 1980. He was replaced by Republican James V. Hansen.
An active leader in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, McKay served as president of the church's Ogden Stake, between 1967 and 1970. He also served as president of the Scottish Mission of the LDS Church between 1981 and 1984, and served three additional missions with his wife, Donna Biesinger.
McKay died in Huntsville, Utah, on October 6, 2000.
I have several old snapshots of Congressman Gunn McKay joyusly serving a meal to those who are gathered at the table in the photo above.
He was a beautiful man who served the citizens of Utah's 1st District with both respect and dignity. He was a true Democratic public servant who was also a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in the Church the same manner as he served in Congress.
Congressman McKay was simply a great example to all that knew him, and as a young boy he was one of my Democratic heroes.
Memories of great Democrats like Congressman McKay who have served Utah honorably helps me to remember who I should be as a Utah Democrat.
We have a long tradition of effective public service, and I know that we are preparing to once again take our place as stewards of our most beloved state.
I believe that it is important to remember who we are.
McKay was born in Ogden Weber County, Utah, on February 23, 1925. He attended the Weber County public schools and Weber State College in Ogden, and Utah State University in Logan. After service in the United States Coast Guard, he worked as a farmer, businessman and high school history teacher.
McKay began his political career in the Utah house of representatives in 1962, completing two terms. He served on prominent house committees including the legislative council, Utah Long Range Goals and Planning Committee, and the Utah Government Reorganization Committee. McKay was appointed as administrative assistant to Utah Governor Calvin L. Rampton, a fellow Democrat, between 1967 and 1970.
Utahn's in the state's 1st District elected McKay as a Democrat to the Ninety-second Congress in 1971, and he served in four succeeding Congresses. During his political career, McKay was a strong advocate of government development in Utah. As chairman of the Military Construction Subcommittee, McKay reopened UtahÂ’s Minute Man Missile production line, secured the F-16 fighter mission for Hill Air Force Base, Utah, and appropriated funding to increase security at Tooele, UtahÂ’s nerve gas storage facility.
McKay also worked to ensure protection for Utah'’s natural resources, securing funding that further developed the Glen Canyon, Arches, and Zion National Parks. He also drafted legislation on UtahÂ’s Lone Peak Wilderness Area and on the Clean Air Act.
However, as the Republican party made significant advances in western politics, McKay found himself rejected by Utah voters in 1980. He was replaced by Republican James V. Hansen.
An active leader in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, McKay served as president of the church's Ogden Stake, between 1967 and 1970. He also served as president of the Scottish Mission of the LDS Church between 1981 and 1984, and served three additional missions with his wife, Donna Biesinger.
McKay died in Huntsville, Utah, on October 6, 2000.
I have several old snapshots of Congressman Gunn McKay joyusly serving a meal to those who are gathered at the table in the photo above.
He was a beautiful man who served the citizens of Utah's 1st District with both respect and dignity. He was a true Democratic public servant who was also a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in the Church the same manner as he served in Congress.
Congressman McKay was simply a great example to all that knew him, and as a young boy he was one of my Democratic heroes.
Memories of great Democrats like Congressman McKay who have served Utah honorably helps me to remember who I should be as a Utah Democrat.
We have a long tradition of effective public service, and I know that we are preparing to once again take our place as stewards of our most beloved state.
I believe that it is important to remember who we are.
1 comment:
I have a good friend here in Southern Utah who is Gunn McKay's niece. She has very fond memories of her uncle. She also is a Democrat because of his good example.
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