VIDEO TRIBUTE - CREATED BY THE FAMILY

William ("Bill") McLay passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, February 10, 2018.

Bill was born and raised in Seattle, Washington. He was a graduate of Queen Anne High School where he lettered in basketball and baseball.

He received a Bachelor of Science degree in both industrial engineering and electrical engineering from the University of Washington. Engineering was the perfect profession for Bill because he truly enjoyed solving problems, implementing solutions and helping others. These traits followed him throughout his personal life and professional career.

He worked for Kaiser Aluminum and Chemical Corporation for 22 years. During his years with the Kaiser, he held a variety of industrial engineering and management positions. His career with Kaiser culminated with an appointment as operations manager of a hard alloy extrusion plant. After retiring from Kaiser in 1989, he began working for the United States Army chemical demilitarization operation where he worked on the destruction of the U.S. chemical weapons stockpile. He retired from the U.S. Army in 2004 although continued to consult for the U.S. Army following his retirement.

In addition to his full-time employment, Captain McLay was a proud and passionate member of the United States Coast Guard Reserves for 39 years. During his distinguished career, he held six commands and was awarded two Coast Guard Commendation Medals.  His commands included Commanding Officer - Reserve Unit Cape May Station, Commander - Reserve Group Sandy Hook and Reserve Captain of the Port of New York. His last command assignment was as Commanding Officer, Reserve Unit District Inspection and Senior District Inspector.

Bill was a loving husband and parent. He was married to his wife Carol for 55 years. They treasured time spent with family and the excitement of family vacations. Bill and Carol also enjoyed travel, attending plays and the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, and discussing current events. His hobbies included reading, gardening and model railroading. He was a lifelong Huskies fan. He was an active, engaged grandfather who was a fixture at grandchildren's swim meets, baseball games and other sporting events along with plays and school events. Most importantly, he was always there with a big hug and a smile along with a word of encouragement.

He was an active member of his community and enjoyed volunteering for community projects.

He is predeceased by his parents, John and Anne McLay, and his brother, Bobby. He is survived by his loving wife, Carol and his three children and their spouses, Reid & Melissa McLay, Anne & Rob Bodnar and Andy & Stefanie McLay. His grandchildren are Allie, Jack, Connor, Corey, Ben and Kylie.

Bill will be remembered for his intellectual curiosity, boisterous laugh and big heart. He will be sorely missed by his family and friends.

A Memorial Visitation will be held on Monday, February 19, 2018 from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM at Barranco & Sons, P.A. Severna Park Funeral Home, 495 Ritchie Hwy, in Severna Park. A Memorial Service will be held at 11 AM on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 in Our Shepherd Lutheran Church, 400 Benfield Road, Severna Park, MD 21146. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Severna Park Assistance Network (SPAN) at: SPAN, Inc, 400 Benfield Road, Severna Park, MD 21146.

Online condolences may be made at www.barrancofuneralhome.com