McKay Cook Phippen, age 91, passed away on the morning of March 29, 2023, in the home where he and his wife, Joyce Annette Carlson Phippen, raised eight children, and where he never let three subsequent generations leave without being offered a bowl of ice cream.

McKay was a devoted husband, a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great grandfather, and often said that his family was the most meaningful blessing in life. He was a selfless friend, who never hesitated to offer help. He could fix any machine with wheels, water skied at Bear Lake late into his 70s, and was a hunter of unparalleled skill. McKay will be remembered as a kind, honest, caring man who was, as has often been said, tough as nails.

McKay was born July 21, 1931, in Albion, Idaho, to Melvin Earl Phippen and Edna Elnora Laker Cook. He attended and graduated from South High School, where he excelled as a quarterback and running back. During high school, he also met the love of his life, Joyce, and the two shared their first date at an ice-skating rink. They married shortly after Joyce graduated, in the Salt Lake Temple in June 1951. Of their relationship, McKay said, "I think we have always been in love."

McKay attended Carbon Jr. College on an athletic scholarship but was called to serve in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. At George Air Force Base, in Victorville, California, McKay was very active in the local Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints ward softball team winning several stake tournaments. He also played football for the air force base team, and they won the regional championship.

The two eventually returned to Salt Lake City, Utah, where they lived all their life, raising seven children of their own, as well as two of Joyce's siblings.

McKay counted his relationship with his Heavenly Father as one of the most important aspects of life. He served in various positions within the church, including scoutmaster, Ward Bishop and on the Young Men's General Board traveling to many countries. Unable as a young man to serve a mission because of the war, at the age of 80 he and Joyce rectified this missed opportunity when they volunteered to serve a mission in Mesa Arizona, where their kindness and devotion warmed the hearts of everyone they met.

On September 24, 2022, McKay held Joyce's hand as she passed peacefully in her sleep. In the months before his own passing, McKay spoke about the fullness of his life, the many blessings he'd received, and of a readiness to return to his Heavenly Father where he would be reunited with Joyce.

McKay was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, wife, his son Lance Phippen, as well as two granddaughters and three great-grandchildren. He is survived by Joyce's brother, Jim (Pam) Carlson, his children Paula (Walt) Price, Steve Phippen, Annette (Rich) Nichol, Reggie (Cheryl) Phippen, Trent (Holly) Phippen, Wade (Anji) Phippen, 30 grandchildren, 67 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren, all of whom will miss him dearly.

Please join us as we commemorate and honor his life. A viewing will be held Friday, April 7, from 6-8 PM At Valley View 8th Ward 4395 S Albright Drive (2145 E) Holladay, Utah 84124. Funeral Services will be Saturday, April 8th at Valley View 8th Ward at 11 AM with a viewing beforehand from 10-10:45. Graveside Services at Lehi City Cemetery 1525 N 600 E Lehi, Utah 84043 at approximately 2:30 PM.