Gordon McKay – the man behind one of Aberdeen’s most iconic shops, has died aged 79.
McKay’s Military Surplus Store was established in the early 1900s by Gordon’s grandmother. It became recognisable as an Aladdin’s cave full of everything from hiking boots to vintage Levi jeans – army coats to camping stoves.
Most well-known from its time on Queen Street, although latterly on Great Northern Road, Gordon took over the store in the 1980s.
Gordon McKay: Early years
Gordon George McKay was born on May 28, 1942.
Son of Irene and James McKay – the owner and manager of McKay’s of Queen Street, the family business would be part of Gordon’s future too.
With three siblings: Ron, Irene and Graeme, he was raised in their King Street home before later moving to Broomhill.
Gordon attended Frederick Street School and worked in the family store after leaving education.
For some years he moved to London to work for Lillywhites sportswear company but returned to help with the family shop.
“I think the pull back to the north-east and to the family business was too great, and so he left London and came home to Aberdeen,” said Rory McKay, Gordon’s nephew.
When a devastating fire caused damage to McKay’s Gordon began taking more of a leadership role in the business.
He loved to travel, always referring to a trip around Europe as a young man, and enjoyed skiing when he got the chance.
McKay’s store
When Gordon’s father was due to retire the pair began a gradual transition period.
Gordon became the main proprietor when James passed away.
The two floor shop on 29-31 Queen Street opened on March 25, 1971.
It had fashion and military clothing on the bottom floor and mountaineering and camping equipment upstairs.
Prior to this the shop – known to be chock-a-block full of just about everything – was a few doors up at 24-26 Queen Street.
A newspaper advert stated that the business was a contractor to the Ministry of Defence.
At a celebration of Gordon’s life which took place at Aberdeen crematorium on February 1, friends commented on Gordon’s methods of running the shop.
“Not that he ever did a stock take but if he had it would have been in kilos not by numbers.
“He was more likely to have 20 kilos of original 1970s jeans than he would be to have 20 pairs.”
Relocating
While McKay’s became properly established on Aberdeen’s Queen Street, as plans took shape to redevelop the city centre it had to be relocated.
However, due to ill health Gordon had to take a step back from the establishment in the last year.
Eventually Aberdeen City Council bought the remainder of Gordon’s lease on the property and what was left of the stock was auctioned off.
Although Gordon had been unwell due to cancer, he kept his illness private for as long as possible.
Aberdeen Trades
Gordon was a proud member of the Seven Incorporated Trades of Aberdeen (shoemakers), which he joined in 1968.
A core feature of his social life, he enjoyed the formality involved.
Councillor Barney Crockett, Lord Provost of Aberdeen, is also a member of the Shoemakers Incorporated, and was a friend of Gordon’s.
He said: “Gordon was a larger than life character who ran the shop idiosyncratically.
“My last purchase there was a pristine 1950s military rain coat. And had my wife not stepped in I would have also bought a fur coat that had been involved in an arctic expedition still with the salt crust on it.
“McKay’s… Gordon, and his father before him were Aberdeen institutions.”
Final years
Gordon is survived by his siblings, nine nieces and nephews and 19 great-nieces and nephews.
He enjoyed visiting his family, coin collecting and military history.
Gordon passed away in Grandholm Care Home, having left his Berry Street house when his health worsened.
Rory added: “My uncle lived a simple life. He kept himself to himself and had an incredible ability to be both stubborn and charming; to be private and yet run a well-known shop.
“He was always kind-natured to his family and proud to be part of Aberdeen Trades. He’ll certainly be missed.”