End of an Era: Jack McKaig passes away

Sun, Jun  17, 2018 - By Mike Muha

It's the end of an era: John “Jack” Hugh McKaig II left this world on June 17, 2018.

All of us knew Jack as the face of the White Pine Stampede. I worked with Jack closely, reporting on the White Pine Stampede for NordicSkiRacer.com and later as a sponsor of the race. Jack always tried to do his best for skiers, by putting on the best event he could, and for the community, getting wide-spread support from volunteers and from the folks at Shanty Creek. It was a difficult task, worrying about weather, where sponsor money would come from, making sure everyone knew their job. Jack pushed back on people who thought the race should be a loop totally within Shanty Creek, insisting it remain one of the few point-to-point races in the Country.

He will be sorely missed.

He was born on January 3, 1943 in Detroit son of the late Jack and Marie McKaig.

From 1967-1969, Jack served in the US Army. After completing his undergraduate degree at The University of Michigan and Wayne State University and his law degree at The Detroit College of Law, he began a law career in Mancelona, where he specialized in defending the rights of children.  

Civic duty was close to Jack’s heart. He has served as the President, Vice-President, and Treasurer of the Children’s Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan, was an active member of the Mancelona Chamber of Commerce and School Board, and, in the organization nearest to his heart, was the Director of The White Pine Stampede for its entire 42-year history.

To those who knew him, Jack was a delightfully acquired taste. He loved his Saturdays spent in Ann Arbor with his extensive tailgate family and annual reunions with the guys he started Michigan with. He enjoyed golf trips, dinners, and card games with close friends from home as well as quiet time loving on his dogs. He had an Irish temper and a German stubbornness that were mitigated with a quick wit, an open heart, and a grin that went all the way up to his eyes. And although he had a hard time seeing it, those who knew him also saw the tremendous amount of good he did in the world, fighting for as many children as he could. Numerous people in his world felt his love and compassion.

Jack is survived by his wife, Beth; brother, Dennis; Sister-in-Law, Paula; daughter, Heather; Son, John; Daughter-in-Law, Naomi Williams; and Granddaughters, Allie and Kelsey and honorary Grandson, Chris Allen.

Note: He has been looking forward to his 50th Wedding Anniversary on June 22, 2018 and his family is calling it close enough. Feel free to wish Beth a Happy Anniversary when you see her!

Memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 21, 2018 at the Mancelona United Methodist Church. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 20, 2018 at the Mancelona Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. and from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to A.C. Paw at P.O. Box 94 Acme, Michigan 49610, Help From My Friends at 3820 Ritt Rd, Bellaire, Michigan 49615 or University of Michigan CVC Social Work Fund at Medical Development, 1000 Oakbrook, Suite 100, Ann Arbor, MI 48104.

Arrangements are being handled by the Mancelona Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.