PORT HADLOCK — It was Thor McKay’s big parade home Monday night.
And thanks to those driving more than 25 law enforcement and emergency services vehicles, the special event rolled with red, yellow and blue lights flashing in grand style.
After a years-long battle with Duchennes muscular dystrophy, Thor died peacefully at home Tuesday morning, said his mother, Lori McKay.
The Chimacum High School 11th-grader was 16.
“Everybody that met Thor, fell in love with him,” his mother said.
“He was an angel borrowed from God.”
Wanting to bring awareness to the devastating disease, Lori McKay said she hopes people will donate to the Muscular Dystrophy Association in Thor’s name.
Thor was transported home with three other Chimacum High School special education friends, his mother and Mike Beery, Jefferson County Fire District No. 1 firefighter and emergency medical technician.
Beery arranged the Monday night aid-vehicle processional from Jefferson Healthcare, formerly Jefferson General Hospital, to Thor’s family home on May Street in Port Hadlock.
Touched by spirit
Touched by the teen-ager’s inner strength, Beery came up with the parade idea after he helped transport Thor by ambulance last week to the hospital in Port Townsend.
“He was a warrior who had a will to live, and he needed to be treated that way, respectfully,” said Beery, who recruited officers and deputies from Port Townsend Police and Jefferson County Sheriff’s departments for the special parade.
Also called were firefighters representing every fire district in East Jefferson County.
“Every kid should have his own parade and this was just a way to show support for the family and raise awareness for muscular dystrophy,” said Beery.
