Obituaries

Paul Bernard McCoy, affectionately known as “Chip” (from Ojibwe Chi-Paul), age 79, of Sugar Island, Michigan, entered the spirit world on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, after battling ongoing health complications. He was born on February 17, 1947, in Bay City, Michigan. He was the son of Kenneth Joseph and Helen (Gurnoe) McCoy and was raised in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.

Chip, well known for his signature “Retired Navy” baseball cap, was a proud disabled veteran of the United States Navy, serving honorably from August 9, 1965, through July 31, 1987, and retiring as a Senior Chief Petty Officer. He spent much of his naval career as an electrician aboard submarines, a role that reflected his skill, precision, and dedication.

After retiring from the Navy, Chip returned with his family to Sault Ste. Marie, where he served the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians in a variety of roles, primarily within construction and housing. His toughness and work ethic were unmatched, and he approached every task with skill and determination - no job was ever beyond his capabilities.

Chip was a proud member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians.

Chip was a dedicated outdoorsman, avid hunter, and avid fisherman, who took great pride in sharing his knowledge and passion with family, friends, and anyone willing to learn. Chip was the ultimate “wheeler and dealer”, known to enjoy an occasional “couple beers”. He excelled at playing pool, and loved storytelling.

Above all, Chip’s greatest purpose in life was to provide for his family. Through every trial and tribulation, he remained steadfast and unwavering in his commitment to them. He had a generous spirit and a genuine desire to help others from all walks of life, especially elders. Chip was the kind of man who would give you the shirt off his back without hesitation if you were ever in need.

Chip is survived by his son, Tom McCoy; grandchildren, Ken (Martha) Quinn, Jessica Quinn, Shawna Quinn, and Thomas McCoy; great-grandchildren, Michaela Goodell, K.P. Quinn, Christian Kinney, and Onalee Quinn; siblings, Michael (Kim) McCoy and Lauri Henry; brother-in-law, Tony Abramson; along with many other cousins, nieces, and nephews. Chip also held special bonds with his two dogs, Bobo and Milly, when health complications worsened.

Chip was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth McCoy; parents, Kenneth and Helen; daughter, Vickie Quinn; son, Derrick McCoy; siblings, Bonnie McKerchie Spring, Jan Wojcik, Carol McCoy, Cathy Abramson, Daniel McCoy, Sharon McCoy, and Patrick McCoy; sister-in-law, Barbara McCoy.

A Celebration of Life to honor Chip, including a color guard ceremony to honor his twenty-two years of service to the United States Navy, will be held on Friday, May 8, 2026, starting at 5:00 PM, at the Niigaanagiizhik Ceremonial Building, 11 Ice Circle Chi Mukwa, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783.
He will be laid to rest on Sugar Island alongside his wife, Ruth at Wilwalk Cemetery on Sugar Island, Michigan.

Family Life Funeral Homes – St. Ignace assisted the family with arrangements. Condolences may be given to the family at www.familylifefh.com.