K. Gunn McKay

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Koln Gunn McKay (February 23, 1925 - October 6, 2000) was an American politician who represented the state of Utah. He served between January 3, 1971–January 3, 1981, beginning in the ninety-second Congress and in four succeeding congresses.

McKay was born in Ogden Weber County, Utah, on February 23, 1925. He attended the Weber County public schools and Weber State College in Ogden, and Utah State University in Logan. After service in the United States Coast Guard, he worked as a farmer, businessman and high school history teacher.

McKay began his political career in the Utah house of representatives in 1962, completing two terms. He served on prominent house committees including the legislative council, Utah Long Range Goals and Planning Committee, and the Utah Government Reorganization Committee. McKay was appointed as administrative assistant to Utah Governor Calvin L. Rampton, a fellow Democrat, between 1967 and 1970.

Utahns in the state's 1st District elected McKay as a Democrat to the Ninety-second Congress in 1971, and he served in four succeeding Congresses. During his political career, McKay was a strong advocate of government development in Utah. As chairman of the Military Construction Subcommittee, McKay reopened Utah’s Minute Man Missile production line, secured the F-16 fighter mission for Hill Air Force Base, Utah, and appropriated funding to increase security at Tooele, Utah’s nerve gas storage facility.

McKay also worked to ensure protection for Utah’s natural resources, securing funding that further developed the Glen Canyon, Arches, and Zion National Parks. He also drafted legislation on Utah’s Lone Peak Wilderness Area and on the Clean Air Act.

However, as the Republican party made significant advances in western politics, McKay found himself rejected by Utah voters in 1980. He was replaced by Republican James V. Hansen.

An active leader in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, McKay served as president of the church's Ogden Stake, between 1967 and 1970. He also served as president of the Edinburgh Scotland Mission of the LDS Church between 1981 and 1984, and served three additional missions with his wife, Donna Biesinger.

McKay died in Huntsville, Utah, on October 6, 2000 after suffering a stroke.