Robert Clarence Kay

May 6, 1932-January 01,2026

With deep love and gratitude, our family celebrates the life of a remarkable man whose curiosity, generosity, and quiet strength shaped every chapter of his 93 years and ours as well.

Robert was the only child of Clarence and Thelma Kay and only grandchild of Jesse and Nellie Lake. His formative years were spent in Nebraska, Iowa and South Dakota. He graduated from Washington High School Sioux Falls, SD, and from SD State University with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Physics. IBM offered him a position in New Product Development and so he had his hand in as Engineering Manager in many new IBM products. The last was a beginning prototype of the first personal computers. IBM encouraged creativity and innovation and so it was a happy mix for 28 years. Bob was a member of the Quarter Century Club with over 25 years of dedicated service.

Church was important for Bob and he was an active member in several different Presbyterian Churches, an ordained Elder, helped to found and establish two new small churches and was active with mission work and with the Presbyterian Church Disaster Assistance.

A passionate pilot, he continually earned new pilot ratings until he achieved a commercial muti-engine, instrument and amphibian pilot’s license. He used the plane for business and family pleasure but also donated his aircraft & pilot skills for Angel Flights to fly critical ill patients to the Mayo Clinic for life saving treatments. After moving to Florida in 1977 he also volunteered his aircraft & pilot skills flying search and rescue missions with the Civil Air Patrol and Sundown Patrols.

In1977, IBM transferred Bob to the new Boca Raton facility. That move led to his love of the ocean and his scuba diving and sailing, another great passion and activity.

Family was important to Bob and he thought of new activities, adventures, and learning experiences. He taught his 3 children to be loving, caring, respectful of others and to follow their dreams.

He is survived by his devoted wife Shirley, his daughter Lisa Kay, son David Kay, daughter-in-law Wendy Kay, granddaughter Shannon Tonsfeldt, great grandson, Joseph Robert Tonsfeldt, son-in-law James Tonsfeldt, Sisters -in-law Barbara Slater and Denise Lease and many nieces and nephews.

He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, an engineer, yachtsman, pilot and friend. He leaves a legacy of love, service and quiet brilliance. And now he is at rest with God.