Anthony "Tony" McGill, 65, of Brighton, MI passed away suddenly on February 7, 2024, in Florida. He was born on November 4, 1958 to parents, Gerald R. McGill and Virginia A. McGill.
Tony always found a way for his passions to navigate this life. He wore many hats from sales representative for Eppinger's Dardevle to "Dr Tony", or preferably just "Tony", at University of Michigan-Flint. He retired from UM-Flint in January 2021 after nearly 30 years as a Lecturer IV in Communication Studies. While at the university he shared his knowledge and life stories with several generations of COM majors. Upon his retirement the department changed the annual COM Outstanding Scholar Award to the Tony McGill Outstanding Scholar Award in recognition of his impact on students. Among Tony's own recognitions he was highly honored to receive the 2020 Collegiate Lecturer Award for his excellence in teaching and service.
Outside of lecture halls Tony volunteered with many organizations to help enrich the Flint community. He was passionate about the opportunity to be a mentor for students at Flint's Southwestern Classical Academy who were involved with the GM Youth Corps summer programs. Working side by side on community and school improvement projects Tony taught these students life skill lessons that they will always carry with them.
Besides his title of "teacher", Tony was an outdoorsman, one who thoroughly enjoyed tinkering with projects whether large or small and he always offered a helping hand where it may have been needed. Many knew his love of hunting, boating, and fishing. One of his newer pastimes was vacationing at the family's cabin on Lake Ontario in northern NY. Whether he had launched to go fishing and got skunked or was climbing trees to trim branches he would tell you how he "loves camp".
The hat which best fit Tony was that of father. This hat graced him with the opportunity not only to teach, but to love and nurture. He had an amazing way of "saying" how truly proud he was of his children with a simple glance of his eyes. Tony had special "dad things" he always did with both Jake and Erin. As a young boy, Jake enticed his father into a handshake routine; grasp hands and see who "broke" first. As the years passed, their ritual often ended with them hearing "Boys! That's enough." With Erin, Tony would venture outdoors when she visited with her fur babies. He would play fetch with the dogs while they caught up on each other's day. Regardless of the weather; rain, shine or freezing cold, Tony would suit up appropriately for their time together. Occasionally, neighboring fur babies joined the festivities and before they knew it, they had a circus in the field.
Tony will be missed by his loving tribe; wife Tracy McGill; son Jacob McGill (Cydney) and daughter Erin Niemi (Paul). The announcement of a grandchild brought great joy to Tony. "Pikku" Niemi (Finnish for little) will be arriving in July. In addition, Tony will be missed by his brother John McGill (Dianne); sister Melody McGill (Vince DeLeonardis); Margaret Haven (life-partner of brother Jerome Meiswick who passed February 12, 2024); sister-in-law Jean Abraham (Robert); extended family Gay Berg (Dennis); many nephews, nieces, great-nieces, and his stepmother Linda McGill. He was preceded in death by his parents Gerald and Virginia as well as his in-laws Richard and Sally Leroy.
"There are takers and givers. People who watch and people who participate to offer themselves to help others and be a part of improving the lives of others. That was Tony" (words from a friend).
A Celebration of Life will be held from 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM on Saturday, April 13, 2024 at Howell Nature Center, 6300 Crescent Rd, Howell, MI 48855. For those who wish to make a memorial donation in Tony's name the family suggests either of the following organizations. The first is an educational program that intrigued him; "A Salmon in the Classroom". It is overseen by Forests for Fish (www.forestsforfish.org). Selected schools must purchase all the necessary equipment to raise their salmon, which may cost up to $2500. The mature salmon are released into Michigan waterways at the conclusion of the program. Michigan's Department of Natural Resources has connected the McGill family with Tomek-Eastern Elementary School in Fenton, MI. All donations received will go towards their kickoff in the fall. If interested, please prepare a check made out to Tracy McGill and in the check memo write "Salmon in the Classroom Program". Mailing address is Tracy McGill, 5830 Griffith Drive, Brighton, MI 48116. The family will present all donations to the school principal, Craig Salter.
The second organization is Cape Vincent Ambulance Squad, Inc., PO Box 835, Cape Vincent, NY 13618.
Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cape Coral, is entrusted with final care.
Howell Nature Center
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