Born in 1912, Miles was the eldest of seven children. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Business from the University of Oregon before being drafted into services during World War II. After the war, Miles worked in grocery stores to support himself and his family. And in 1949, he combined his assets with those of brothers Kenny and Dean to form a partnership that became McKay’s Markets, a fast-growing grocery business. Later that same year, the McKay brothers built their very first ‘supermarket’ on River Road in Eugene. They continued to build and manage grocery stores and by 1959, had a total of 19 stores, most of which were in the Eugene/Springfield area. In 1953, Miles left the grocery business for one year to start McKay Investment Company with his wife Eleanor and their children Doug and Linda. Their first venture was to buy, fix, and sell two houses on River Road. It quickly became apparent that the family had no expertise in carpentry and the homes barely showed a profit. So, Miles pivoted and began buying properties for eventual commercial development.

In 1954, Miles went back to building and managing grocery stores. But in 1960, the McKay brothers decided to disband their partnership, sell their business, and divide the assets. The proceeds that Miles received included bare land, which became the initial inventory for McKay Investment Company.

Today, McKay Investment Company, McKay Commercial Properties, and MetroCom Development are thriving tributes to the groundwork laid by Miles McKay. Together, they own properties throughout the state of Oregon, with many holdings in the Eugene/Springfield area including Oakway Center and Slocum Center.

As his success as a commercial real estate owner and developer grew, Miles became a mentor to many in the business community. But his passion for philanthropy, which grew later in life, would have a lasting effect on not only the business community, but on his own family as well. The idea of this foundation was born largely out of conversations with his children and grandchildren. Miles made a point of taking each of his grandchildren out for lunch, one on one, every year, to nurture their relationship and better understand what mattered to them. Charitable giving was one topic that came up in those memorable lunches!

In 1986, Miles and Eleanor made an estate decision: they wanted to give back to the community they loved and had invested in for so many years. With a modest initial contribution of $100,000 they established what would become the McKay Family Foundation. Miles passed away in 1989, followed by Eleanor in 1990. Upon their deaths, the foundation grew to $3 million and the small board of three immediately began awarding grants to local charities.

Doug McKay, son of Miles and Eleanor, passed away in 2019 and, following his parents’ example, gave significantly to the Foundation, thereby increasing its ability to support the community.

Today, three of Miles and Eleanor’s grandchildren, along with the spouses of the other two, serve on the board of McKay Family Foundation. They consider it a privilege to give back generously to deserving charities in Lane County.

Miles’ vision for the foundation was to play a significant role in helping transform the community in which he lived and worked. Together, Miles and Eleanor have left a family legacy of giving embraced by those who have followed after them.

WHO WE ARE

Lisa Korth, Trustee

Amy Romero, Trustee

Tracie Shojai, Trustee

Kelly Thakkar, Trustee

Dale Williams, Trustee