Michael Makay (Walter Arthur Kay) died in the Lighthouse at Clinton Place, Clinton, Kentucky on January 18th, 2026. He was born in Chicago, Illinois, to Henry John Kay and Mary Elizabeth Kay on January 12th, 1935. He grew up with his brothers Henry John Kay, Jr., Roger Allen Kay, and Jerome (Jerry) Kay. He attended Loyola Academy in a Latin - English course of study, from which he graduated on June 9th, 1952. Sometime later, after pursuing the priesthood, he moved to San Diego, California.
Michael married Barbra Dillinger (Kupiec) in July of 1987. This was, beyond a doubt, a turning point for both of them. Michael and Barbra built a wonderful life together in Del Mar, California. Michael loved and embraced Barbra’s large family as his own, and Barbra loved and embraced Michael’s mother, Mary. Michael and Barbra loved spending time with their children (Scott and Lesa), and especially their grandchildren, which they made a top priority for many years. They also spent a great deal of time with Adam and Monette Kupiec and Barbra’s siblings and their families, as well as Michael’s mother Mary, and would sometimes visit Michael’s brother Jerry and his wife, Gail. They took work related cruises, spent time in Europe, and made at least one trip by rail, which Michael especially loved, to visit with his other brothers and their families.
Michael loved to cook, and was an especially good chef! Michael and Barbra loved to have family and friends over for special dinners Michael prepared, with Barbra creating a special setting to serve and enjoy them in. Michael loved to sing! He sang in a men’s chorus, and he sang or hummed while cooking, ironing, which was a regular part of his daily routine, or just about any time. Michael loved clothes, and loved to shop! He was always well dressed and had so many shirts that he could have easily worn a different shirt every day of the year. Michael spent some of his time as an interior designer, and especially loved decorating their homes. As they moved from home to home in Del Mar, and then to Cardiff, it was miraculous how he transformed each one to take on the Michael and Barbra aesthetic.
Michael and Barbra enjoyed special outings with their grandchildren, taking them to theme parks and other attractions, with wonderful opportunities to spoil them with all kinds of love and attention. And they loved going to the large family gatherings at Bass Lake in the summers, and to Mammoth for New Years.
Birthday and holiday celebrations were special. As a couple they carefully chose and wrapped gifts for everyone in the family. Michael wrapped the gifts so beautifully, one hated to tear into them! And Christmas was always amazing. They loved decorating their home together and sharing it with the family and friends. Their Winter Solstice celebration was truly amazing, bringing together their close spiritual community and family.
Michael and Barbra’s heart held during tough times. Both were very supportive to Lesa and her boys during her husband Darin’s illness and passing. Barbra nurtured Michael through heart surgery. They both embraced Lesa’s husband John and his three sons when she remarried and built their lives together. And Michael, during Barbra’s battle with cancer, gave all he had to give, and then some.
Michael and Barbra enjoyed a large spiritual family of friends, colleagues and clients–they had a very positive impact on many people. Together they formed Metanoia Services, a nonprofit corporation created to advance human awareness and inner wisdom. This community has helped many people in their spiritual journeys.
Michael married Barbra Dillinger (Kupiec) in July of 1987. This was, beyond a doubt, a turning point for both of them. Michael and Barbra built a wonderful life together in Del Mar, California. Michael loved and embraced Barbra’s large family as his own, and Barbra loved and embraced Michael’s mother, Mary. Michael and Barbra loved spending time with their children (Scott and Lesa), and especially their grandchildren, which they made a top priority for many years. They also spent a great deal of time with Adam and Monette Kupiec and Barbra’s siblings and their families, as well as Michael’s mother Mary, and would sometimes visit Michael’s brother Jerry and his wife, Gail. They took work related cruises, spent time in Europe, and made at least one trip by rail, which Michael especially loved, to visit with his other brothers and their families.
Michael loved to cook, and was an especially good chef! Michael and Barbra loved to have family and friends over for special dinners Michael prepared, with Barbra creating a special setting to serve and enjoy them in. Michael loved to sing! He sang in a men’s chorus, and he sang or hummed while cooking, ironing, which was a regular part of his daily routine, or just about any time. Michael loved clothes, and loved to shop! He was always well dressed and had so many shirts that he could have easily worn a different shirt every day of the year. Michael spent some of his time as an interior designer, and especially loved decorating their homes. As they moved from home to home in Del Mar, and then to Cardiff, it was miraculous how he transformed each one to take on the Michael and Barbra aesthetic.
Michael and Barbra enjoyed special outings with their grandchildren, taking them to theme parks and other attractions, with wonderful opportunities to spoil them with all kinds of love and attention. And they loved going to the large family gatherings at Bass Lake in the summers, and to Mammoth for New Years.
Birthday and holiday celebrations were special. As a couple they carefully chose and wrapped gifts for everyone in the family. Michael wrapped the gifts so beautifully, one hated to tear into them! And Christmas was always amazing. They loved decorating their home together and sharing it with the family and friends. Their Winter Solstice celebration was truly amazing, bringing together their close spiritual community and family.
Michael and Barbra’s heart held during tough times. Both were very supportive to Lesa and her boys during her husband Darin’s illness and passing. Barbra nurtured Michael through heart surgery. They both embraced Lesa’s husband John and his three sons when she remarried and built their lives together. And Michael, during Barbra’s battle with cancer, gave all he had to give, and then some.
Michael and Barbra enjoyed a large spiritual family of friends, colleagues and clients–they had a very positive impact on many people. Together they formed Metanoia Services, a nonprofit corporation created to advance human awareness and inner wisdom. This community has helped many people in their spiritual journeys.
Michael’s legacy lives on through Barbra’s children, grandchildren, and great grandsons, as well as the many people they have helped over his long, loving, and very giving life.
Blalock-Coleman Funeral Home & Cremation Services is honored to be entrusted with the care of Mr. MaKay. Please share your messages of condolence by signing his virtual guestbook at www.blalockcolemanfuneralhome.com.
