George Mcgahan Sr.

There are many ways that one can choose to spend their days. Some choose to pursue the acquisition of wealth or a long list of achievements and accomplishments. To George McGahan, nothing was more important than his beloved wife, children, and extended family, and it was his driving force to make his home a haven filled with laughter and love. George had a special place in his heart for all children and their families, and it was in this spirit that he chose a career path in which he could positively affect the lives of numerous families in a significant way. The decade of the 1950s was a time of great change within America as racial segregation was ruled unconstitutional in public schools, Alaska and Hawaii became the forty-ninth and fiftieth states, and the baby boom was underway. Also during this time, Lloyd and Alice (Giddings) McGahan, of Muskegon, Michigan, were thrilled with the birth of their son, George Robert, on June 3, 1950. George was joined in his family by siblings Judy, Debbie, Vonda, and Lloyd, Jr., and their family members were all extremely close as family togetherness was an integral part of everyday life. They loved to tease each other and pull numerous pranks, and some of their favorite memories became the trips they took together to various places in the Upper Peninsula, and they always attended church together as well. George was raised in the family home located on Mill Iron Road in Muskegon. His father worked at American Coil Spring and his mother was a homemaker who babysat other children when her own children were older. Their family loved to sing, and this would be a passion of Georges throughout his entire lifetime. George attended local schools, and with his free time he took an interest in karate, eventually earning a 5th degree black belt. He also developed lifelong interests in deer hunting, bowling, and singing karaoke. George graduated from Orchard View High School in 1969. Like so many other young men during this time, George entered the United States Air Force and served during the Vietnam War. He was an air traffic controller as part of the Flying Tigers. Upon his return to civilian life, George attended Grand Valley State University and graduated with a BA Degree. With a heart for helping children, Georges first job was at the Ottawa County Youth Home. This job exposed George to some experiences that greatly impacted him. He disliked seeing kids hurt or their families separate, so he became a corrections officer. George enjoyed his job and found it rewarding, but he also gained the respect of not only his fellow officers, but the inmates as well. George remained at the correction facility for over 20 years until he retired in November of 2008. While he was busy building his career, George met a woman who would forever hold a special place in his heart. Her name was Annette Miles, and they unofficially met while George was bowling with some friends. Although Annette was bowling with her boyfriend at the time, George caught her eye and she was immediately attracted to him. She did not see him again for another month, but when they did meet again, the rest became history. After falling hopelessly in love, George and Annette were married on March 10, 1990. George deeply loved Annette, and on their tenth wedding anniversary, he took her to Boones Long Lake Inn, located in Traverse City, where he got down on one knee and presented her with an anniversary ring during dinner. Soon after they were married, George and Annette were blessed with two children: George, Jr., and Misty, who joined his daughter Heather in his heart. George embraced being a father in every way and family time was of the utmost importance to him. Mealtimes were always special times to gather together and catch up on what was buzzing about in McGahan family. George was actively involved in the lives of his children and he truly loved watching them participate in a variety of activities including Heather in track, George, Jr. in choir and drama, and Misty in softball and basketball. All three of Georges children were his greatest source of pride and joy. Their family created numerous memories that will surely be cherished for a lifetime. They took many vacations to Traverse City and a few to Walt Disney World. A favorite family time was McGahan Sleepovers in which they would set up camp in the basement- complete with sleeping bags, snacks, movies, and little sleep as everyone stayed up late into the night. In the McGahan household, the theme was always laughter and love. There were a number of interests that George enjoyed pursuing when time allowed. Karaoke was a major form of entertainment in Georges life, and he and his sister Deb sang in numerous karaoke duets. He also had a love for motorcycles, and he purchased himself a motorcycle, a Yamaha Silverado, as a retirement gift to himself. Actually, he purchased it about a year before he officially retired so that he would know how to handle it well by the time he actually retired. George loved his bike, especially riding off into the sunset. Sadly, in March of 2008, George was diagnosed with cancer of the larynx and although he faced his illness with courage, he was untimely unable to recover. George McGahan was so many things to so many people he was a great son, an outstanding brother, a loving husband, devoted father, and a dedicated corrections officer with a passion for his work. George was comical at times, yet serious when needed with a compassionate heart that desired to help others in any way he could. Because of karate he became known by his family as Uncle Master, and he had a rich voice when singing karaoke. His life was sadly interrupted with so many memories yet to be made, but his legacy of love will live on in all those he leaves behind. George will be dearly missed and warmly remembered. George R. McGahan Sr. died on Saturday, July 11, 2009. Georges family includes his wife, Annette; children, Heather (Byron) Jordan, George McGahan Jr., Misty McGahan; sisters, Judy (Dwight) Reames, Deb (Bill) Buchner, Vonda (Ron) Visscher; sister-in-law, Marcia McGahan; granddaughters, Zoey and a host of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Lloyd Sr. and brother, Lloyd, Jr. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, July 15, 2009, 11:00 a.m. in the chapel at Clock Life Story Funeral Homes Muskegon location Muskegon, MI, with Rev. Craig Cramblet officiating. Interment at Mona View Cemetery. Visit with Georges family and friends on Tuesday from 5-8 p.m. and on Wednesday, one hour prior to the service and the funeral home. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com, where you can leave a favorite memory or make a memorial contribution to Harbor Hospice or the American Cancer Society.