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Jerry McKay Obituary

McKay, Jerry 11/27/1938 - 2/2/2017 Ann Arbor Jerry died at University Hospital, Ann Arbor. He was born and grew up in Charlotte, MI, and was predeceased by his parents Norman B. McKay and Ila M. Hill McKay. He is survived by his wife, Melinda, and children Douglas McKay (Susan), Charles McKay (Dana) and Karen McKay. He was stepdad to Rob Hampton (Tess) and Sarah Estigoy. A brother, Dick McKay (Nancy) also survives. His adored grandchildren are Nathan (Laura), Dan, Lucas, Mackenzie, Kylah, Logan, Cody and Hailey. Jerry graduated from Michigan State University with a BS in Math. He spent his business career at IBM becoming a senior systems engineer. A second career as a wood lathe artist displayed his products in galleries and art fairs around the country. In retirement, Jerry had two passions: creating family fun and serving his church and community. He and his sons finished a lake house up north where family and friends enjoyed our wonderful Michigan outdoors. He drove his toddler grandchildren around in the garden tractor cart. He hosted holiday gatherings at the backyard pool. Surplus from his extensive vegetable garden went to a local food pantry. He construction-managed the builders and led a team of volunteers who did finishing work on a large church addition project. Jerry was the immediate past president of Rebuilding Together Oakland County, which repairs homes for low income elderly and disabled. During his tenure, the number of projects and volunteers grew exponentially. Memorial visitation will be held from 2:00 5:00 p.m., Thursday, February 9, 2017 at Muehlig Funeral Chapel, 403 South Fourth Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 48104. The Memorial Service will begin at 1:00 p.m., Friday, February 10, 2017 at First Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Ann Arbor, 4001 Ann Arbor-Saline Road (at West Ellsworth), Ann Arbor, MI 48103. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to your favorite charity or cause. Please share a memory of Jerry with his family at www.muehligannarbor.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Ann Arbor News from Feb. 5 to Feb. 9, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Jerry McKay

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Angie Hendershot

February 9, 2017

Karen,
Dave and I want you to know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Please let us know if we can do anything for you. Love you!

Scott Stroud

February 9, 2017

Melinda, Doug, Charlie, Karen, Rob, Sarah: I'm so sorry to hear this news. Jerry and I had reconnected on Facebook recently, but my fondest memories of him -- always Mr. McKay to me -- still come from church retreats and work projects in Appalachia. He helped teach a group of rowdy teenagers how to be of service to the world, whether through carpentry or just with his basic, innate decency. My thoughts are with you all.

Halla Motawi

February 9, 2017

Dear Melinda, It has been such a pleasure to get to know you and Jerry. His welcoming spirit and openness in sharing with chalice circle newcomers was so appreciated. I enjoyed Jerry's explanations about his woodwork. He showed the thoughtfulness and dedication of a true artist. He was a very special man. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. My sincere condolences. - Halla

February 9, 2017

I could write a book about all the happy times we have shared together. Summers at Duck Lake and playing in Oak Park. Our vacation in Alaska with all the beautiful flowers and the train ride Jerry wanted to take. The ride together to Duck Lake when we got lost and couldn't find the family cottage. Celebrations of family weddings and anniversaries. The 2016 summer trip to Traverse City with Jerry and Melinda will always be cherished. Thank you for being my Brother. You will be greatly missed, but never forgotten. Love Dick and Nancy.

Bob and Barb Flory

February 8, 2017

Melinda, Bob and I were so sorry to hear of Jerry's passing. Jerry was a favorite cousin- so intelligent, kind and caring. We are so sad and we will be praying for you.

Joyce Griffith

February 8, 2017

Jerry was a very talented man! Woodworking, music and even technology, he could do them all. Heaven gained an ace today!
Joyce McKay Griffith

Chris Golden

February 8, 2017

We are so very sorry for your loss. Praying for you all. - the Lee University IT Operations crew.

Thom & Carole Parker

February 8, 2017

Melinda, Our deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family. Jerry will always be remembered for the great volunteer work he did both for the Church and for Rebuilding Together. It was my privilege to work with him in both areas. Godspeed

Peter Hansen

February 8, 2017

Jerry was a 1956 Charlotte High School classmate and took most of the photos for our yearbook. He and I progressed through the chairs in DeMolay together. The relationship had longevity because of shared interests and beliefs. Jerry was one gentle and kind fellow who will be missed by many.

February 7, 2017

Deepest condolences. Thoughts and words of comfort to his loved ones in their time of distress. Jerry will be missed very much.
Ypsilanti, Michigan

Joellen Bonham Piskitel

February 7, 2017

We worked together on the Charhian & in many classes at Charlotte High School.
May your happy memories give you peace during this difficult time.
Joellen Bonham Piskitel

Charlotte Price

February 7, 2017

Karen, Earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot heal. On behalf of the U.A.W Local 898 Family we offer our heartfelt condolences to your family. May you find comfort in knowing we are praying for you. We are also here to support you as you navigate through your new journey.
In Solidarity & Love
Chaplain Charlotte Price

young

February 7, 2017

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Donna Young

February 7, 2017

The Young family are so saddened to hear about Jerry's passing. He was a good friend and supporter over the years and he will be missed. We all send our sympathy and love, John Donna and family.

Fred & Karen Porter

February 6, 2017

Jerry's quiet gentle example of compassion, care, and giving to others and his community was inspiring and moving. We are reminded of how strong and kind he was. He will be greatly missed. Melinda and family, we share in your sorrow and stand with you at this time. We will keep you close to our hearts, in our thoughts and prayers.

Thomas McKay

February 6, 2017

I remember Jerry from a couple larger Family reunions. Great guy. My parents Cecil and Julia McKay spoke highly of him.

Karl Wirt

February 6, 2017

We were fortunate to visit with Jerry and Melinda at our 60th Class Reunion in Charlotte this past August. I have such fond memories of Jerry as a gentle and kind classmate in high school. Our sincerest condolences to his family.
Karl & Judy Wirt

Melanie Lemley-Cook

February 6, 2017

I was honor to be a part of the McKay family in my teens. Jerry and Melinda welcomed me into their home with open arms. My god bless your whole family. Your will always be in my heart.

glenn kime

February 6, 2017

I was fortunate to have spent time with Jerry as a fellow member of a men's group at UUAA church. Jerry was consistently kind, thoughtful and caring - he will be missed

John Young

February 6, 2017

Inspirational to anyone he encountered, Jerry was instrumental in leading and actively participating in many ministries in the area. Men of Orchard and Rebuilding Together, Oakland County just to name a couple, owe a lot to his dedication.

Cecil & Julia McKay

February 6, 2017

He will be missed by all who knew him, family and friends and all others as well.

Barbara DeGrazia

February 5, 2017

Jerry was in integral part of Orchard and a real blessing to our congregation. His legacy will continue for many years as we utilize the beautiful addition and wood working that he did. As Chairman of trustees I always could count on Jerry's help and guidance whenever I called. God bless, you, Melinda, and thank you for sharing you husband and his gifts with us. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Showing 1 - 22 of 22 results

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