Obituary: Richard James McKay, Jr.

As received from the Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home:

We are sad to announce the unexpected passing of Richard James McKay Jr, 47 of Mass City on December 6, 2022 at Aspirus Ontonagon Hospital. Rick was a miracle granted to Judy, Dick, and Laurie McKay. Judy defied all odds, despite her health issues, and by the grace of God gave birth to a healthy baby boy on April 12, 1975 in L’Anse MI. Of course in Rick McKay true fashion he was 2 weeks overdue. Rick did things on his terms at his time right from the beginning. From an early age Rick gained the reputation of “a collector”. At 2 years old the collection started with a fascination for keys and grew to be the vehicles those keys would fit. Rick took an early interest in antiques and opened the only Mass City Museum when he was only 9 years old. Rick graduated Valedictorian from Ontonagon High School in 1993. He went on to obtain a mechanical engineering degree from Michigan Technological University. When Rick turned 30 years old he decided it was time to find a wife. He met the beautiful Becky Meneguzzo of Lake Linden in 2005 on his quest to find a mate. Becky was his soulmate. He was blessed to meet someone who was such a good sport and found going to tractor shows and swap meets fun. They married in 2008 and had one of the biggest shindigs the Greenland Township fair grounds had seen in years. The bridal party motor pooled from Lake Linden in antique cars to the party. Rick proudly showed off the Model T Touring car that was purchased just for the occasion. At the party they even displayed a working threshing machine.

Over the years Rick would become known as the person who could fix anything and get it running again. People would come from all over with equipment that needed repair or something that needed to be welded. You could always find Rick at the shop chatting over coffee or fixing something. He was so blessed to have the opportunity to maintain an antique car and tractor collection and earn a living doing what he was so passionate about. Rick was always willing to give someone a hand and help out others and share the talents he was blessed with.

Rick was very passionate about his heritage. He picked up the basic Finnish language at an early age but in midlife he took classes to learn to speak the language more fluently. He also was very interested in genealogy. He researched his family tree dating back to the 1600’s.

Over the years Becky and Rick went on many adventures and made many memories. In 2017 God blessed the McKay household with another McKay miracle, Miss Judith (Judy) Marie McKay. Being a father brought so much joy to Rick. In 2019 another blessing graced the McKay household, Richard James McKay III (RJ). These 2 were the shining stars in Rick’s life and he beamed with love whenever he talked about them.

Rick is survived by his wife Becky McKay, daughter Judy McKay, son RJ McKay, sister Laurie McKay, niece Jenny (Stuart) Schmitt, great niece Analeza, great nephew Tres, stepmom Sue McKay, step siblings Dave (Deb) Roberts, Billie Joe (Darren) Weisinger, Shannon (Steve) Bobula, and step nephew and nieces.

He is preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.

Rick lived a life well lived and will be dearly missed by all.

A memorial service will be held at St Paul’s Lutheran Church in Mass City, MI on Saturday, December 17, 2022. Coffee social will be at 10 am with service to follow at 11. A luncheon will be served at the township community center following the service.

The Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home will be assisting the family with arrangements.

Online condolences may be left at www.ericksoncrowleypeterson.com.