Dr. Jay McMahan passed away peacefully on Oct. 26, 2023, at Kingston Health Sciences Centre in his 93rd year. He will be dearly missed by his beloved wife of 66 years, Bea (Ford) McMahan; sister Clem Fair; children Marni, Jay (Christie Milliken) and Peggy; as well as grandchildren Emily, Charlie (Erin Keogh), Jack and Leo.
Born in Lorain, Ohio, Jay attended Wasatch Academy in Utah (1948) where he was All-State in football. He pursued his undergraduate studies at Penn State University, receiving his BSc in 1952 where he was a captain of the men's basketball team and played in the NCAA Regional Basketball Tournament. After relocating with his family to Canada, Jay pursued a degree in medicine, graduating from Queen's University in the class of Meds '60. In addition, Jay was awarded the Queen's Jenkins Trophy in 1959-60 as the top varsity student-athlete for football and basketball.
He stayed in Kingston to practice family medicine serving the community for many years. In retirement, he was a long-term volunteer for the Festival of Trees and the Kingston Symphony Book Fair. He was a proud supporter and representative of the Queens Gaels Athletic alumni.
Jay was a devoted father, a birder, a furniture maker, an antique collector, an artist, an attentive listener and a modest storyteller. A 'gentle giant,' Jay will be remembered for his love and commitment to his family, his generosity of spirit and his warmth and kindness. His children wish to thank the staff at St. Lawrence Place, KGH Connell 3 and Connell 10 for the care shown to our father.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to Nature Conservancy of Canada, Kingston Field Naturalists or Tree Canada.