Arthur "Art" McKinlay

February 7, 1951 - June 13, 2017

Arthur Paul McKinlay (66) passed away June 13, 2017 in Orem, Utah, surrounded by his family. Despite his increasing health challenges he continued to have a positive attitude right to the end; he always had a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye. Art was born in Salt Lake City, Utah on February 7, 1951 to Lynn and Asenath McKinlay. Most of his youth was spent in Provo, Utah. He describes himself as a “good natured, somewhat mischievous boy.” He attended Maeser Elementary, Farrer Junior High, and graduated from Provo High School in 1969. He spent his 6th grade year at Laie Elementary on the island of Oahu while his Dad was on sabbatical at the Church College of Hawaii (BYU-HI); this began his lifelong love for the Islands. Art served an LDS Mission to the England Central Mission from March 1970 to March 1972. His time in England was one of the choicest memories of his life and had a powerful impact on the years to follow. Upon his return, he pursued his Bachelor’s Degree at Brigham Young University, eventually to graduate in Communications with an emphasis in Public Relations. While attending BYU he worked in the Student Development Office; not only did this begin his passion of fundraising for BYU, but it also lead him to an opportunity to work at BYU-Hawaii. It was in Hawaii that he met Kathy Jo Hallstrom, the love of his life. They were married November 1978 in the Salt Lake City LDS Temple. Art and Kathy Jo made their home in Hawaii where they raised their four children: Brennan, Meghan, Mandi and Tyler. Art held a number of jobs in the Marketing field (1) Director of Public Relations at Peck-Sims-Mueller Advertising, (2) Director of Marketing at HONFED, (3) Director of Marketing at Kaiser Permanente, (4) Director of Marketing & Communications at Straub Hospital. Each opportunity seemed to flow into the next. Art helped to create the nationally recognized children’s health program, “Dr. Wizardwise”, and he also won multiple Advertising Federation Awards. Along with the demands of raising a family and a fast paced marketing career, Art continued to be actively involved in serving The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Among other callings, he served as a Bishop and then a Stake President until moving back to Utah. Next to his family, serving in the Church was what he enjoyed most. In June 1995, Art moved his family to Orem, Utah after accepting a position with the LDS Philanthropies; most of his responsibility was for the College of Engineering at BYU. He continued to be a fundraiser for BYU for the next 11 years. Following this he accepted an opportunity to be President of America’s Freedom Foundation for two years and then Director of Development at Utah Valley University for two years. Art served in many Church callings while in Utah as well, including service in the Young Men’s organization, a Bishop, and a High Counselor; always a faithful Home Teacher until his death. While a young Father in Hawaii, Art was diagnosed with Cancer. After heavy radiation and chemotherapy, he beat this cancer. However, 25 years later the side effects of “the cure” started to manifest themselves with problems in his heart, lungs, feet and kidneys. He valiantly tried to keep working, but after a stroke, he ultimately had to retire earlier than he wanted. We are so grateful to so many angelic friends and family members that helped chauffer him to doctor appointments and dialysis for many years. Art is survived by his wife Kathy Jo Hallstrom McKinlay, their 4 children, and 8.5 Grandchildren: Brennan and Alli McKinlay, parents of Addy, Eli, James and Isabelle; Meghan (McKinlay) and Tyman Loveless, parents of Mckinlay, Eliza, Hazel and Emerson; Mandi McKinlay; Tyler and Katie McKinlay, future parents of Max. Funeral Services will be held Friday, June 23rd, at 11:00 am, at the Timpview 5th Ward LDS Chapel, 865 West 1000 North, Orem, Utah, where Viewings will be held Thursday, June 22nd from 6:00 to 8:00 pm and prior to services on Friday from 9:30 to 10:30 am. Interment in Orem City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you donate to the Humanitarian Fund of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, the American Cancer Society, or the National Kidney Foundation. Funeral Directors: Utah Valley Mortuary