Former Husky Lineman Roy Mckasson Dies

Roy William McKasson, the former University of Washington lineman who helped the Huskies to Rose Bowl victories in 1960 and 1961, was "a kind, warm, loving man," says his sister, Carole Connell of Lakewood, Pierce County.

But former Husky coach Jim Owens remembers him as a model of quickness, agility and aggressiveness.

"Roy was a great representative of the linemen during that period," Owens said. "We were fortunate he came to the University of Washington because he wasn't very big - 190 to 205 pounds was the standard for that time - but he was tough.

"With his love for the game and his aggressiveness and leadership, he was able to stand right up there with the best of the players."

Mr. McKasson died last Friday (Jan. 23) of complications from a kidney transplant. He was 58.

Born in Kellogg, Idaho, he moved to Lakewood and graduated from Clover Park High School where he earned football honors. He went on to play with the Huskies, co-captaining the 1961 team. He earned the title of consensus All-American in 1960. He was inducted into the Husky Hall of Fame in 1987.

After playing a year with the Edmonton Eskimos in the Canadian Football League, he became a leader in the Young Life ministry in Dallas and Chicago.

He moved to the Tacoma area in 1987 and co-founded NewMac International, a satellite digital-television service for developing countries.

"He was an energetic, dedicated individual and everybody felt

he was their friend," said former Husky quarterback Bob Schloredt. "When Mac talked to you, you felt you were the only person in the world."

In a videotape made in 1990 for the 100th anniversary of Husky football, Mr. McKasson waxed poetic on his winning seasons: "I have a sense of destiny in the fact it was the right chemistry . . . the right heart in a group of guys who played over their heads constantly. . . . I was very blessed. I have to give God credit for putting me in the right place at the right time."

Other survivors include his wife, Sandy McKasson of Puyallup; children Wade McKasson, Frisco, Texas; Dana McKasson, Dallas; and Cali McKasson and Ryan McKasson, Puyallup; and two grandchildren.

Services have been held. Donations may go to Polycystic Kidney Research Foundation, 4901 Main St., Kansas City, MO, 64112.

Carole Beers' phone message number is 206-464-2391. Her e-mail address is: cbee-new@seatimes.com