In Memoriam: Pharmacy Times Editorial Director Kirk McKay

It is with a heavy heart that I share with you the news of the passing of our esteemed editorial director, Kirk McKay.

Kirk bravely battled colon cancer over the last 3 years, but if you encountered him during that time, you might not have known. His passion and dedication to his work and his team did not falter once during his long and courageous journey coping with a vicious disease.

Kirk joined Pharmacy Times® as its managing editor in 2013, and his affable nature, sharp reporting skills, and strong leadership qualities quickly propelled him through the ranks to one of the publication’s top editorial spots. Kirk’s varied healthcare background also made him an excellent fit to help our parent company launch 2 veterinary publications: American Veterinarian® and Veterinarian’s Money Digest™.

As a man with great pride in his work, Kirk was engaged in all aspects of our industry-leading brand. From writing critical cover lines to recruiting cutting-edge pharmacists as contributors, Kirk had a hand in it all. To honor his memory, and to carry on his work here at Pharmacy Times®, we promise to continue with the same journalistic integrity and spirit that Kirk brought to you every single day.

Kirk’s ability to rise to every challenge, not only exceeding expectations but doing so in a manner both thoughtful and professional, makes us all strive to be better in everything we do, as reporters, as pharmacists, as humans. The way he lived, responding to all who came into his life—from the most influential names in health care to the wildlife he met in his yard—with grace, kindness, and a smile makes us all strive to be better human beings.

Kirk’s journey here may have ended, but we are all forever changed for sharing it with him, and the world is a far better place because he was in it.

We ask that you please take a moment to recognize those who are important in your life—family, friends, and coworkers, alike. We all have an immense but fleeting impact on one another so let’s leave as positive and meaningful an impression as Kirk has left with us.

Thank you, Kirk McKay, for being a part of our Pharmacy Times® family and helping us to be better in every way.

Mike Hennessy, Sr

Chairman and CEO