Obituaries

Patrick Anthony McCoy, age 62, of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, entered the spirit world on March 8, 2026, at home, after battling a lengthy illness with his loving wife at his side. He was born on March 12, 1963, in Sault Ste. Marie, to Kenneth Joseph and Helen (Gurnoe) McCoy.

Patrick’s childhood was filled with fishing and hunting on Sugar Island with his dad and family. In his early adolescence, Patrick began a journey of addiction and tragedy. Patrick is an amazing example of overcoming and transcending pain and creating healing. Patrick has been proudly sober since April 2, 1988. He went from a sixth-grade education to holding a master’s degree. While attending Norther Michigan University, Patrick met the love of his life Betsy, and they were married on December 9, 2005. Throughout their twenty-two years together they traveled, camped, and adventured together. Patrick loved his culture and was a spiritual leader, sundancer, pipecarrier, and teacher. He brought sobriety and the light of recovery everywhere he went. Patrick was passionate about his people and helped anyone in need. He was a strong advocate of culture and developed presentations and recovery modules for his community! His family, especially his wife and children, were the center of his universe. He loved with a fire that never went out. Aazhidegaabaw is his native name which means “standing across the sky.” He will forever be in the sky; should we miss him, we only need to look up.

Patrick is survived by his wife, Betsy McCoy; children, Noah McCoy of Sault Ste. Marie, Patrick John (Sam) McCoy of Ispeming, Michigan, Elijah McCoy of Gwinn, Michigan, Jesse Dayen Saint Pierre of WaWa Ontario, Autumn (Derek) Reign of Menominee, Michigan, Austin Ischirhart of Sault Ste. Marie; grandchildren, Koveur, Archer, Messiah, Harland, Leeland Maisie, and Alan; siblings, Michael (Kim) McCoy, Paul “Chip” (Ruth) McCoy, Lauri Henry; brothers-in-law, Tony Abramson and Greg Spring.

Patrick was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Helen; granddaughter, Alina; siblings, Bonnie, Sharon, Daniel, Carol, Jan, Cathy; sister-in-law, Barbara.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, starting at 10:00 AM, at the Niigaanagiizhik Ceremonial Building, 11 Ice Circle Chi Mukwa, Sault Ste. Marie. Traditional Ceremony will begin on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at 10:00 AM.

Condolences may be given to the family at www.familylifefh.com.