Kirt Freestone McKay
- James Robinson
- Apr 30
- 2 min read
Updated: May 3
With broken hearts, we announce the passing of Kirt Freestone McKay, beloved husband, father, son, brother, and friend, who died unexpectedly on April 25, 2025, at the age of 42.
Kirt was a man of a giving heart and quiet strength—a protector, a friend, and someone who shared his many talents freely. His life was guided by faith and service
Born on August 16, 1983, Kirt grew up with adventure with a life of purpose defined by faith and service. He graduated with honors from Mesa High School in 2001, earning five varsity letters—three in music and two in sports. A gifted musician, he sang and played multiple instruments. He was athletic and especially loved mountain biking and backpacking.
Kirt earned his Eagle Scout at 14 and later worked as a camp counselor for three summers at the BSA’s Beaver High Adventure Base. From 2002 to 2004, he served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Anchorage, Alaska,
Since childhood, Kirt always wanted to fly. In 2009, Kirt graduated magna cum laude from ASU with a degree in Aeronautical Management Technology, and joined the Navy, where he was commissioned as an Ensign in 2010 and earned his wings as a naval aviator. He flew the E-2 Hawkeye and completed two deployments aboard the USS Carl Vincent and USS John C. Stennis where he was known by his call sign, "Busey."
Kirt continued his service in the Navy Reserves as a lieutenant commander while also flying commercially for American Airlines
On May 19, 2023, Kirt married Emily Adamson Tieman. He is survived by his wife Emily, and their 6 children Madison, Mikayla, Makenzie, Katelynn, Ashlynn, and Evelynn. He is preceded in Death by his Beloved mother Julie Freestone McKay. He is survived by his father, Cameron, and stepmother, Cindy Bluth McKay, and his many loving siblings and step-siblings: Shawn and Neesha, Kyle and Brittney, Colin and Marianne, Caleb and Heather, Scott and Jennifer, Dustin and Heather Bluth, Austin and Cora Ainge, Matthew and Shawnee Bluth, and Shaun and Kayla Bluth. He was the adored uncle of 38 nieces and nephews, who all knew him as their favorite uncle.
Funeral services will be held May 3 at 1266 S 32nd street, Mesa, AZ at 10:30am.
Fly high, Kirt.
Streaming Information
Celebration of Life
KIRT MCKAY
May 3, 2025 10:30 AM Mountain Time
We love you Kirt and Emily. Beautifully written, and we were blessed to have Kirt with us. He was the best of the best!