Gordon L. McGahan

1939 - 2025

Gordon L. McGahan
01/28/1939 - 11/03/2025
Gordon Lee McGahan, age 86, passed away peacefully at his home in Big Rapids, MI, under Hospice care after a brief battle with cancer. Lee was surrounded by his beloved family in his final moments, a testament to the deep love and connection he shared with them.
Born on January 28, 1939, in a modest house in Volney, MI, Lee was the son of William and Lucena (DeLong) McGahan. His formative years began in a one-room schoolhouse in Volney before continuing in Walkerville. In 1951, Lee's family relocated to a farmhouse on 5 Mile Rd. in Morley, where he completed his schooling. He graduated from Morley Agricultural School in 1958, notably as a member of the last class to graduate from the Morley building before the opening of the new Morley-Stanwood High School.
In 1959, Lee answered the call to serve his country by joining the Army National Guard. Throughout his life, Lee embraced a variety of occupations, including making cheese and driving a semi-truck. He later began a distinguished career with the IBEW Union, dedicating over 40 years to the organization. Starting as a groundman, he advanced through the roles of apprentice and lineman, ultimately retiring as a General Foreman responsible for overseeing multiple crews.
Lee was a craftsman at heart, finding joy in working with his hands. He built numerous birdhouses, benches, windmills, lighthouses, and other wooden creations. His favorite way to spend the summer months was at his property in Newberry, "Up North" across the Mackinac bridge, where he enjoyed riding his quad along scenic trails and camping with family and friends.
Lee cherished time spent with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, attending their football, baseball, and volleyball games, as well as taking them camping and quad riding in the north, or simply gathering at home for grilling. He also looked forward to monthly dinners with "The Trivia Gang," a circle of friends with whom he shared camaraderie and laughter.
Lee is survived by his daughters, Bonnie McGahan of Morley, MI, and Kathy (Rick) Habel of Gowen, MI; stepsons Doug (Julie) Ginnever of Newberry, MI, and Steve (Tiona) Ginnever of Stanwood, MI; siblings Nelson (Carol) McGahan of Morley, MI, Ada Lou Wise of Findley, OH, Mary Ida (Stan) Johnson of Twin Lake, MI, and Virgil McGahan of Twin Lake, MI. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Dan (Nicole) McClellan of Big Rapids, MI, Maverick (Summer) Steffes of Reed City, MI, and Jennifer (Collin) Kidder of Grand Rapids, MI, as well as several step-grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren, and many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Lee was preceded in death by his parents, William and Lucena (DeLong) McGahan; his beloved wife of many years, Faye McGahan; and stepchildren Bill Ginnever, David Ginnever, and Laurie Strawderman.
A Celebration of Life will take place on Friday, November 14, 2025, at the Morley American Legion, located at 2560 Northland Dr., Morley, MI 49336. The gathering will begin at 4 p.m.
In lieu of plants or flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Hospice of Michigan, Big Rapids, located at 400 Perry Ave.