Brandon Nicholas Mckay

Brandon Nicholas McKay, beloved son, brother, grandson, cousin, friend, and mentor, passed away on March 5, 2025, at the age of 34.

Born on May 23, 1990, in Washington Township, New Jersey, Brandon was the cherished son of John L. McKay Jr. and Kristina Lawson-McKay. His life was filled with creativity, curiosity, deep faith, and a boundless love for his family.

Brandon spent his early years in Maple Shade, NJ and Teays Valley, West Virginia, before moving to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where his love for the arts began to blossom. He poured his energy into art classes and was inspired by the city's culture and creativity. In 2008, his family moved to Brentwood, Tennessee a suburb of Nashville—his mother’s hometown—where Brandon was embraced by a large and loving extended family. Brandon graduated from Ravenwood High School in Brentwood, TN, where he played football, a deep passion he shared with his father. Brandon also enjoyed classes at Columbia State Community College, Nashville State Community College, and Caltech.

Brandon had an artistic soul. He loved drawing, film and theater (passions he shared with his mom), digital design, museums, and coding, and took countless classes to explore these passions. He had so many interests that choosing a favorite was nearly impossible—he simply loved learning and creating.

In 2020, inspired by his siblings’ move to the Pacific Northwest, Brandon made an epic cross-country road trip to Seattle, WA with his brother Bryan. The journey was unforgettable, full of laughter, memorable sites in many different cities, and a deep brotherly bonding. In Seattle, Brandon enjoyed hanging out with his sister Alexandra and her husband Zain and spent quality time bonding with them on weekend excursions and rooftop BBQs.

While in Seattle Brandon worked for Amazon and later for ByteDance, a subsidiary of TikTok. He found immense joy in the natural beauty of the region—hiking, camping, whale watching, jet skiing, reading his bible, and writing in his journal by the shores of Puget Sound. He spent many a Sunday after Mass on Alki Beach journaling, reading scripture, calling home or friends and being at peace with the beauty of nature that the Lord provides.

Brandon’s Catholic faith was central to his life. As a member of St. Thomas More Parish in Lynnwood, WA, he rededicated his life to Christ by completing the sacrament of Catholic Confirmation in 2022. The experience transformed him. He felt called to give back and began working with and leading parish youth groups, using his warm heart, resonant voice, and infectious laugh to connect with and uplift the young people he mentored. He had a remarkable gift for making others feel seen and understood, and he changed countless lives through his kindness and insight.

Family was everything to Brandon. He loved traveling to visit family in Reisterstown, Ellicott City, and Baltimore, Maryland. He deeply valued time spent with his sister Alexandra and brother Bryan in Seattle, his aunts and uncles who joined them there, and his parents, whom he visited often in San Diego, California. Brandon loved spending time with his parents on the beach, at museums, day trips to Los Angeles, home cooked meals, or simply talking about life, faith, and love. He was a super fan of both the Star Wars and Marvel franchises, his beloved Philadelphia Eagles and NFL Fantasy Football leagues.

Brandon had a beautiful spirit—joyful, empathetic, and wise beyond his years. He was a great listener, a thoughtful advice-giver, and someone who could make you laugh even in the toughest times. His voice could command a room, and his heart could comfort anyone.

Brandon Nicholas McKay is survived by his parents, John L. McKay Jr.  and Kristina Lawson-McKay; his sister Alexandra McKay-Ali (h Zain Ali); his brother Bryan Wesley McKay; his maternal grandparents, James and Judith Lawson; and his paternal grandmother, Berene K. McKay. He also leaves behind his uncles Dr. Wendell McKay (w Kimberly McKay) and Eric Lawson (w Carol Lawson), his aunts Dr. Veronica Gunn (h Peter Gunn) and Nicolle McCondichie (h Dean McCondichie), his godmother Dr. Patricia Gunn, and cousins Alex Cromartie, Paris Lawson, Gianna McCondichie, Ian Gunn, Erynn McCondichie, Alex K. McKay, and Zachary McKay.

There is not enough space to name all the extended family, great aunts and great uncles, cousins, coworkers, friends, and youth he inspired—but their love and grief are shared. Brandon touched every life he encountered with grace, humor, and unwavering love.

God chose to call Brandon home on March 5, 2025. We love and miss him so much. His absence leaves a hole in the hearts of many, but Brandon’s light and spirit will continue to shine in all who knew him.

- Care Entrusted to Emmick Family Funeral Home Lake View -