Jon Dale Kay, of Kent, Washingon, passed away at the age of 76, the night of February 2, 2017 following a five year battle with cancer that he fought head-on with courage.
Jon is survived by his wife of 45 years, Peggy, two sons Jack and Anthony, six grandchildren Joel, Kristina, Jonathan, McKenzie, Nicalas and Emma, and five great grandchildren Kylin, Presley, Hudson, Alli, and Addison. He also leaves behind two sisters; Barbara Trentdawley and Paulette Sloan.
Jon is originally from Arkansas. He met his wife Peggy in Tacoma, Wash., and knew from the moment he saw her that he was going to marry her. Together they raised their family and started a business called Torklift Central in Kent, Washington in 1976.
Jon was dedicated to good old-fashion hard work. He built Torklift Central from a single bay custom fabrication shop into a 14 bay retail product development center as well as Torklift International – a worldwide known manufacturer of automotive and RV aftermarket parts with a loyal fan-base of customers celebrating over 40 years and employing more than 100 people.
From the beginning he instilled a strong work ethic in his employees. He regularly worked side-by-side with his employees, underneath a truck installing parts and troubleshooting issues. Even in his later years he actively worked at Torklift inventing new products, working with employees and working on robotic and machinery ideas.
Jon loved animals, babies, old church hymns, classic cars, was an avid member of the NRA, and built and flew model airplanes. He rode motorcycles clear into his 70s. He was a fearless inventor, loving husband, father and grandpa and had a passion for politics. He loved to read the Wall Street Journal every morning. He was a pioneer who paved a path showing there is nothing that can’t be done. He had a pioneering spirit to go where others have not.
He joins he mother and eldest son Max in Heaven.
Jon’s funeral will be held at Fir Lane Memorial Park, located at 924 E.176th St., Spanaway, WA 98387 at 1:30 p.m., February 18. A viewing will also be held February 17, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Flowers are welcome to be sent to Fir Lane or in lieu of flowers donations are encouraged to be sent to Kent Food Bank located at 515 W. Harrison Street #107, Kent, WA 98032 care of the Kent Turkey Challenge. The Turkey Challenge is an annual fund-raiser Jon’s company hosts each year benefiting local families in need.
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