Lloyd "Denny" Mcgahan

Denny McGahan was a big man, with a bigger heart, a heart he shared with all those around him. Denny was a man who was always looking out for people, as a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. He always told them ah boo, the way kids say I love you, but he didnt really need to. Denny told them he loved them every day of his life, in everything he ever did. Dennys story began on a snowy winter day in 1946, between the holidays in Muskegon, Michigan. Those were such exciting times in this country, when our returning heroes came home from World War II to begin the Baby Boomer generation, and claim their share of the American Dream. On December 29, 1946, Lloyd and Alice (Giddings) McGahan celebrated a boom of their own, with the birth of a baby boy, a son they named Lloyd Jr. Lloyd, or Denny as he would always be called, was the oldest of five kids in the familys home, on Mill Iron Road in Muskegon, joining little brother George and his three sisters, Judith, Debra and Vonda. His dad was a hardworking employee at American Coil Spring, while his mother cared for the home. Times werent always easy for the family, but they had each other, and they always got by. Denny was a very typical, fun-loving and mischievous young boy, who once shot out his grandpas window with his BB rifle! His granddad broke the gun over his knee, and Denny was lucky that was all he did! The family were faithful members of the Oakcrest Church of God, where the basis of Dennys faith was formed. Though his attendance lapsed during a period in his life, Denny was a lifelong member, and always a man of faith. Denny and his siblings attended Orchard View Schools, and he was always looking after his little sisters at school, just like Mom asked him to. Even then, Denny was always looking out for people, which became a lifelong theme for him. Denny quit school after the 10th grade, deciding to go work in the celery farms instead, and eventually American Coil Springs, like his dad. He had a passion for fast cars, and needed fulltime work to make his dreams a reality. He saved up and bought a beautiful Corvette, and dreamt of one day owning a shop restoring classic cars. Before he knew it, Denny was the proud parent of two sons, Little Denny, in 1966, and another son, Greg, in 1969. His relationships didnt last, but Denny wasnt meant to be alone for long. One night in 1971, Denny rushed his friend to Hackley Hospitals emergency room for some stitches (looking out for everyone, of course). There he met a beautiful nurse-in-training named Marcia Ewald. Though it wasnt love at first sight for her, Denny did convince her to go on a date with him, and that was all he needed. The sparks flew between them, and they quickly fell in love. Denny and Marcia moved to Detroit in 1973, as Denny took a very promising job there. Their son, Jason, was born not long after. The couple missed Muskegon, though, and missed being close to their families, and so they moved back home less than a year later. Denny found work at Automatic Spring in Grand Haven, and the growing family settled in East Muskegon. Denny and Marcia made their love official, as well, and were married on April 15, 1974, the best tax day of their lives! The happy couple added two more children to the family, as well, first with daughter Judy in 1976, and daughter Stefanie rounding out the family in 1981. After so many boys, Denny was delighted to have girls. Denny and Marcia bought some property on McArthur Road in Muskegon, where they would eventually build their beautiful family home. Denny helped with the drywall, and was very, very proud of that home, where he would live the rest of his days. In the mid-1980s, Denny was injured on the job at Automatic Spring, and decided to change careers. He went back to school, earned his GED, and took classes at Muskegon Community College (and earned all-As, too). Denny became a corrections officer, first at the Jackson State Prison, a very tough place to work. After a year there, he transferred to the Muskegon Correctional Facility, where he remained for the next 17 years. Denny was far from all work and no play, however. He and Marcia enjoyed doing many things together, from bowling in mixed leagues, to taking long drives on the weekends, looking at houses and lake property and just dreaming. Denny still loved his fast cars, and was always reading a book or magazine about hot rods. He also had a prized Buick Grand National, one of the fastest six-cylinder engine cars ever made. He loved that car, until he loaned it to his daughter once and she unfortunately crashed it. More than anything, Denny loved his wife, kids, and grandkids, who loved him right back. One of the grandkids was too little to say I love you, and it came out ah boo, which became the familys unofficial motto. Ah boo, Denny always told them. Denny and Marcia also lovingly took their granddaughter Taylor into their home, raising her as their own. In 2005, Denny got sick, and was diagnosed with bladder cancer. He was determined to beat the disease, and had surgery and then did chemotherapy. He went to the University of Michigan Hospital for treatment, and was homebound for awhile during recovery. The tough time brought him back to church, and his faith grew very strong. His church, his family, friends and faith helped him through the toughest times. Despite his brave battle, the cancer spread, and Denny sadly died at home, surrounded by his family on Good Friday, March 21, 2008. He was 61. Denny was a wonderful, caring man, who devoted his life to looking out for the people around him. From his friends, to his coworkers, to the family he loved most of all, Denny was always a man who you could count on. Ah boo, he always told his family, his way of saying I love you. He always said it, but he showed it even more. He will be greatly missed. Denny is survived by his wife of 33 years, Marcia; 3 sons, Lloyd McGahan, III, Gregg (Enrika) McGahan, Jason McGahan; 2 daughters, Judith McGahan, Stefanie (Eric) Nichols, all of Muskegon; mother, Alice McGahan of Muskegon; 10 grandchildren; 1 great grandchild; brother, George (Annette) McGahan of Muskegon; 3 sisters, Judy (Dwight) Reames of Norton Shores, Debbie (Bill) Buchner of Muskegon, Vonda (Ron) Visscher of Muskegon; sisters-in-law, Sandra Breitwisch, Kim (Larry) Luce, both of Muskegon, Mary Ellen Williams of MA; many nieces & nephews, cousins, and friends; best friend, Bob Danhof of North Muskegon. He was preceded in death by his father. Services are scheduled for Tuesday, March 25, 2008, 11:00 AM at the Clock Chapel Muskegon. Interment at Egelston Township Cemetery. Visitation is Monday, 6-8 PM at Clock Life Story Funeral Home - Muskegon. Memorial donations may be made to the Oak Crest Church of God Youth Ministries. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to share a memory or sign the online guest book.