Dr. Cavendish McKay
Dr. Cavendish Quayle McKay, 46, of Marietta passed away from an apparent heart attack June 11, 2019.
He was born February 28, 1973, in Seattle, Washington, to Laurie Schroder McKay and the late Morgan Powell “Tony” McKay, Jr. During his childhood he grew to love being in nature, and as an adult, he developed a devotion for the deserts of southern Utah. Hiking and exploring new places locally and around the world, and planning those trips, were joys for him.
As a child, he cultivated life-long curiosity that was never dampened, even by dust-ups with gravity, momentum or chemicals, resulting in exciting stories and interesting scars. As his doctor was preparing to stitch up one of Cavendish’s adventures he told the little boy that he was going to give him some “fairy juice” to make things feel better. Cavendish replied, “I’d rather have anesthetic.” After that, the doctor used correct medical terms whenever Cavendish visited.
Cavendish was a 1997 graduate of Brigham Young University with a B.S. in Physics and later received his Ph.D. in Theoretical Physics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. While at Wisconsin he discovered deep satisfaction in teaching, and later he became an Associate Professor at Marietta College, instructing students in courses such as “Think Like a Scientist” and Quantum Mechanics. He was a recipient of the College’s Innovative Teaching Award. He was also a beloved teacher at church and around the dinner table. In his research he had a particular interest in simulating complex systems such as ocean currents or Velcro-type fasteners. He loved objects of quality and became giddy over the latest technology developments.
A member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he fulfilled numerous service and leadership roles, including two years as a full-time missionary in Portugal. The Church was just one of the places where he enjoyed deep conversations with friends. “Interested in what’s interesting,” and an ardent reader, Cavendish could have a knowledgeable conversation about anything and everything. He loved ideas, and a number of people have commented that, while they and Cavendish had very different opinions, they always enjoyed their conversations with him. Many remember his recurring phrases like, “in point of fact…,” his insistence on always finding the right word and his explosive laugh.
On August 19, 2000, he married Sarah Fullmer who survives with their children: Callister, Morgan, Minerva, Schroder and Synneve. In addition to his mother, Cavendish is survived by his brother Steve Glenn (Dorrie), sister Heather Laurence (Jeffrey), brother Beren McKay (Hillary) and stepfather Robert Michelson.
Cavendish’s family has been profoundly touched by the many expressions of sympathy and support. Kind friends at Veritas Classical Academy, the children’s school, have established an account for the benefit of Cavendish’s family at https://www.gofundme.com/f/sarah-mckay-family. His family takes comfort in knowing that as an organ, eye and tissue donor registered at donatelifeohio.org, Cavendish can yet bring healing to others.
A memorial service will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (1503 Glendale Road, Marietta) on Monday, June 24, at 7:00 pm. A private burial was held at Oak Grove Cemetery.
McClure-Schafer-Lankford Funeral Home is assisting the family. Messages of sympathy may be posted at www.Lankfordfh.com.