George Edwin McKee of Saratoga Springs, Utah, passed away on April 15, 2026.

George was born in San Francisco, California on August 29, 1954 to George Elmer McKee and Pauline Rebecca Weeks and three older sisters, Margaret, Christine, and Penelope. When George was 12, the McKee family moved to Olalla, Washington. There he attended Marcus Whitman Jr. High and South Kitship High School, graduating in the spring of 1972. George was an active participant in Boy Scouts of America, earning the rank of Eagle Scout. During his high school years George learned to ski, which became a life-long hobby and passion.

After high school, George moved to Provo, Utah to attend Brigham Young University. At 19, George paused his schooling to serve a two-year mission for the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Ireland. Following his mission, he continued his education at BYU where he skied competitively on the university’s extramural ski team. In the fall of 1977, George met his sweetheart and eternal companion, Rebecca (Becky) Hillman. They quickly fell in love and were married May 27, 1978 in the Salt Lake Temple.

Over the next 8 years, George and Becky welcomed four children to their family: George Jr (1979), Benjamin (1981), Rosien (1983), and Emily (1986). George graduated from BYU with a degree in Chemical Engineering in 1979. His career in engineering took their family to Wyoming, Missouri, and eventually back home to Olalla, Washington, where they raised their children and stayed for 31 years. In 2016, George and Becky moved to Saratoga Springs, Utah so that Becky could complete her bachelor’s degree at Brigham Young University.

George taught his wife, his children, and his grandchildren to love the outdoors, the mountains, and especially to love to ski. The McKee family enjoyed many wonderful times together on the ski hill, and enjoying the beauty of nature. George made dear friends and touched many lives through his love of the outdoors and adventure. He loved to ski fresh, backcountry powder, and reveled in sharing that particular joy with anyone who was willing to join him. His passion for skiing led him into mountain climbing. Over the years he led many groups of friends and young men on high adventures summiting the peaks of the Cascade Mountains, including multiple summits of Mt. Rainier.

George was a man of immense faith, and an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Following his missionary service in Ireland, George filled his life with service to his church. George served in many callings, including scout master, young men’s leader, stake high councilor, Bishopric counselor, and seminary teacher. George especially loved serving with the youth, and through his service taught many young men that they can do hard things. Above all, he taught those close to him through word and example what the love of Jesus Christ feels like, and how to live a life led by the Holy Spirit.

George was a devoted husband, a loving father, and a cherished grandfather. He is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 48 years, Becky; his four children George McKee Jr (Heather), Benjamin McKee (Katherine), Rosien Thornock (Brian), and Emily Bass (David); sixteen grandchildren: Parker Hintze, Makayla Olson (Benjamin), Shelbie, Emma, Allison, Carter, Maxwell, Audrey, Eli, Lindsey, Tanner, Scarlett, Charlotte, Jocelyn, Peter, and Elita; and his sisters, Margaret, Christine, & Penelope.

A memorial service for George is scheduled for 10:30 am on Saturday, May 2nd at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Days Saints located at 168 E Wayside Drive, Saratoga Springs, Utah.