Michael McCoy

If Mike could read this obituary, there's no doubt he would be giving detailed feedback. He would turn it over in his mind and interrogate it, taking notes along the way. Mike would ask why a particular trip was mentioned, or the failure to note another facet of his history. He would pinpoint the many flaws he perceived herein and, hopefully, find points to appreciate as well. In short, he was not one to let anything go unquestioned, whether it was the mysteries of the universe, a note jotted in his birthday card, or an attempt to put his life and personality into words.

Michael J. McCoy was the oldest of ten children born to John and Cleo (Healy) McCoy. He came into the world on May 21, 1947 in Wisconsin. He began to chart his own path early, with an official job as a paper boy and a less official position as gum dealer (at a significant markup) to his classmates.

Mike spent his career as a letter carrier, and was a proud member of the National Association of Letter Carriers. He had little tolerance for the bureaucracy of a government job, but got to spend his days outdoors, walking the neighborhood and interacting with people. He was the mailman who brought treats for the dogs, and got thank you notes for getting to know and care about the individual residents on his route. After he retired with over 35 years of service, he continued to provide for his community by delivering food through Meals on Wheels.

He gave to other communities as well, especially schools for Indian children - his way of pushing back against injustices done to Native Americans. The Carter foundation was another favorite cause. Jimmy Carter was one of Mike's heroes as someone living the values of justice, integrity, and support of community. Mike even took a trip to Jimmy's hometown of Plains, Georgia and struck up in depth conversations with the townsfolk.

Although Mike had a way of testing the patience of his family and friends with repeated questioning and challenges, he also regularly showed he cared. Sometimes he expressed appreciation with sincere words, but he also really enjoyed giving gifts. Year after year he carefully documented each family's Christmas shipment of See's candy, specialty popcorn, or other treats. His favorite gifts to give and receive were the personal (his daughter Becky's hand painted watercolors) unique (a puzzle with your face on it!), or a creative new tool (like a shield for the microwave).

Mike moved through life in the way that suited him, usually asking forgiveness rather than permission. He strolled through the store eating a candy bar, flipping the wrapper to the checkout clerk at the end so he could pay for it. He jumped in to strange projects with both feet (often convincing his siblings to do the same), whether it was tearing down an old house or competing in a contest to build the largest snowman.

He had an ever present drive to learn about the world and other people, and a deep appreciation for nature. As a lifelong student, he read and took classes, but also sought first-hand experiences. In his free time he traveled to Canada, the Philippines, and throughout the United States, exploring national parks, taking excursions with siblings and visiting extended family.

Mike was an enthusiastic patron of cultural institutions and the sports teams in his home of Saint Louis, Missouri. He bought season tickets to play houses and Cardinal's baseball alike. He could be found listening to the symphony with his daughter one day and tailgating the Rams with his brothers the next. And he tried to catch most of the Oscar nominated films each year, keeping notes on every one.

After several years of declining health and dialysis, Mike passed away on October 27, 2024 at the age of 77. He had lost some beloved family members and is survived by many more. He had nine younger siblings: Maureen Row and her late husband Don, Kathleen McCoy, Colleen McCoy and her husband John Walter, Tim McCoy and his wife Barb, Pat McCoy and his wife Kate, Patty Nouraie, late sister Terry Gaulke, late brother Tom McCoy and his wife Kathy, Matthew McCoy and his wife Renee; along with many nieces, nephews, and their children.  Mike is survived by three daughters, two sons-in-law, and three grandsons: Shannon McCoy Crockett and her husband Tony with grandson Dimitri; Rebecca McCoy; Sarah Evola and her husband Brian with grandsons Felix and Milo.

If he could communicate now, Mike would be the first to discuss the larger meaning of his existence. He had a special curiosity for the cosmos, appreciating the vast scale of our universe, and wondering why we are here in it. Like the rest of us he never had a clear answer, but throughout his life he found the most meaning in others - helping the people in his community and spending time with the people that he loved. Those connections were his foundation. Whenever his phone went to voicemail, his voice would quickly chime in "Mike here - leave me one, I'll get one back to ya."

For those wishing to give a donation in Mike's honor - a few of his favorite causes were the Sierra Club, the Carter Foundation, and the St Labre Indian School.

We will be celebrating Mike's life at 11:00 am on Friday, November 1, 2024 at Collier's Funeral Home, with a service at 1:00 pm and a gathering at his brother and sister-in-law's afterward. Mike would want us to come together to play trivia games, maybe start a friendly argument or two, and enjoy each other's company.