Dennis “Denny” McKaig

Dennis was born in Detroit on June 10, 1953 to John and Anna (Downing) McKaig. Those early years were spent at St. Brigid’s parochial school, where he not only studied but served as altar and choir boy. He enjoyed baseball and playing on the little league team with his older brother, Jack, as coach. Later, the family moved to Farmington, and he graduated from North Farmington High in 1971. The north woods had beckoned him, so he attended Michigan Tech, earning first a Bachelors then a Master’s degree in Biology and Environmental Science. He shared many anecdotes about his summers spent on Isle Royale doing field research.

After graduation, he worked at Michigan Tech in programs related to Biology until the early 1990s. Denny loved music and performing in bands, and his interest in computers and music production had really taken hold. He founded Red House Recording and began to shift his professional focus, taking a position as a Sr. Systems Analyst at Tech. Combining the two passions, he then joined the Visual and Performing Arts department at the Rozsa. His duties and titles changed over the decades, beginning as instructor, to Production Manager and later Stage Manager.

A longtime friend of Bill W., life brought many blessings to him. In 1996, he married Paula Newman, and together their combined musical talents brought a rich and active life together. They performed together in several bands, the most recent being Cheap Therapy. They shared twenty-two years of happy marriage until her passing in 2018. Red House Recording had also become very successful, recording, and producing for local groups, individuals, school bands, and unique audio projects. Denny had a keen ear and worked tirelessly to bring the best sound to any session.

In addition to music, he was a skilled woodworker, learning at a young age from his father. He could produce large scale pieces of cabinetry and delicate inlaid items alike. Self-reliant and independent, he was an outdoorsman and spent lots of time enjoying nature.

Dennis is preceded in death by his parents John and Anna Marie Mckaig, his brother John Hugh McKaigII, and wife Paula. He is survived by his sister-in-law, Beth McKaig, niece Heather McKaig, nephew John Hugh McKaig III (Naomi Williams), great nieces Allison and Kelsey McKaig. Additionally, his life partner Lil Ryckman and two young ladies that he loved like family, Zoey and Jazmyn Benson will treasure many happy memories of their time together.

Visitation is at the Erickson Crowley Peterson funeral home in Calumet on Friday, December 6, 2024 from 3-7pm. A celebration of Dennis’ life will be at Grace United Methodist Church in Houghton on Saturday, December 7, 2024 at 11 a.m. with visitation from 10-11 a.m. A luncheon will follow in the church hall. In lieu of flowers, a gift can be made to either the Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly or Grace United Methodist Church for sound equipment. Online condolences for the family may be left at www.ericksoncrowleypeterson.com