Obituary: MCKANE, STEPHEN

Stephen Ray McKane1975 ~ 2013Stephen Ray McKane devoted husband, father, son, brother, uncle, cousin, friend and coach was called home to his Heavenly Father on October 8th, 2013 at the age of 38. Steve was born on March 13th, 1975 in Bellflower, California to William Robert McKane and Gwen Lucille Dicus McKane. As a Jackrabbit at Mesa High School, Steve was a two-way All State player at center and linebacker. He also played on two state championship teams (1990 & 1992). Following high school, Steve was called to serve in the Nebraska Omaha mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He played for four seasons at the University of Utah as a Ute where he earned his Bachelor's degree. While at the U of U, Steve met and married Kami and together they have three sons; Parker, Klarke and Grant. Following his playing career, Steve chose the profession of teacher and coach. Steve felt blessed to have coached at Independence High School in Glendale, AZ, been a graduate assistant at BYU (while earning his Masters), a defensive line coach for Western Illinois University in Macomb, IL and finally realizing his lifelong dream as he became the head coach of the Florence High School Gophers. The gospel of Jesus Christ has been his foundation and the Savior's example the guide that he modeled his life after. Stephen loved his boys- the ones at home & the ones on the field and wanted the very best for all of them.Stephen is survived by his wife, Kami Francis Staples McKane and their three sons, Parker Garrett McKane, Klarke Douglas McKane and Grant Stephen McKane; his parents- William Robert McKane and Gwen Lucille Dicus McKane; brothers William (Brooke), Robert (Angela), Ryan (Kathy), David (Amy) and Jeff (Macarena) as well as 12 nephews, 10 nieces and loving outlaws. He is preceded in death by Douglas Scott McKane (brother), F.P. Dicus (grandfather), Lucille Condie (grandmother), William George McKane (grandfather), and Brian McKane (uncle).A public viewing will take place on Thursday, October 17th at 6:00 p.m. at the Bella Vista Stake Center, located on 1521 East Bella Vista Road, Queen Creek, Arizona 85242. The memorial service for Steve will be held on Saturday, October 19th at 3:00 p.m. in the same LDS Stake center with a viewing to be held one hour prior.Interment to be October 26th at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 East Dimple Dell Road, Sandy, Utah with graveside services at 1:00 p.m.Services Entrusted to Falconer Funeral Home.