L. Michael Mick McKay, 65, of Spearfish, SD, died peacefully on Sunday, August 17, in his home after a lengthy and faithful battle with cancer. He was surrounded by loving family and by the staff of Hospice of the Northern Hills during his last weeks of earthly life as he prepared to return to his Heavenly Father and Lord. Mick was preceded in death by his grandparents and by his father, Lawrence G. Larry McKay. He is survived by his wife, Suzy McKay, Spearfish, SD; his mother, Beulah McKay, Spearfish, SD; his children, Heather Lynn (Larry) Ridolfi, Chantilly, VA and Larry Tyler (Carol) McKay, Sioux Falls, grandson, Dylan Bowers, Sioux Falls, SD; step-children, Kimberly Sue (Steve) Carroll, Spearfish, SD and Matthew Scott (Chad Beyer) Cockrum, Grand Rapids, MI; siblings, Dennis Lee Denny McKay, Sturgis, SD; and Ann McKay Thompson, Sioux Falls, SD; nieces and a nephew, aunts and uncle, Alta Mae Biever, Hot Springs, SD; and Robert and Marilyn McKay, Michigan City, IN;. Mick was born on August 18, 1942, in Hot Springs, SD, to Lawrence G. Larry and Beulah I. McKay. Mick was baptized by his grandfather in 1946 and confirmed in 1956 at St. Lukes Episcopal Church in Hot Springs. Mick is an alumnus of Lead High School (1960), the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology (transfer), and the University of Idaho in Pocatello (1961). He enjoyed his work as an architect, and his career included work with Brady Engineering (Spearfish, SD), Ray Hengle Engineering (Rapid City, SD), founding partnership in McKay-McConnell Partners (Rapid City, SD), FourFront Design, Inc. (Rapid City, SD) and several firms in southern California. Mick began his family when he married Alyce Gilman of Kennebec, SD, in April, 1968. The couple moved to Rapid City and had two children, Heather Lynn and Larry Tyler McKay. His family continued to expand when, after a divorce, he married Paula Sue Suzy Cockrum in 1989 in Rapid City, SD. The couple moved to Irvine, CA, where they joined St. James Anglican Church in Newport Beach. It was through involvement with this faith community that Micks Christian faith deepened and grew into the mature witness that has been visible during his nearly six-year struggle with colon cancer. I just want people to know this wonderful God Ive found, he said. Mick and Suzy returned to Spearfish, SD, in April of this year for Micks work with FourFront Design, Inc. and to be closer to family. Micks academic and professional affiliations included Phi Kappa Alpha Fraternity and membership in various professional associations. He enjoyed assembling, collecting and giving away golf clubs, collecting HO Gauge railroad cars, skiing, golfing and playing tennis. Mick will be remembered for his tenacity of spirit, his humor, intelligence, determination and for his faithful walk with the Lord. Memorial gifts may be sent to Hospice of the Northern Hills (1440 N. Main Spearfish, SD 57783) or Realtors for Kids, Inc. (1230 N. Ave. Ste. #1, Spearfish, SD 57783). Cremation has occurred. Visitation will take place at noon on Friday, August 22 at St. Paul Lutheran Church 846 7th St., Spearfish, SD, followed by a service of Christian committal at 1:00 p.m. A reception will follow at the church. Arrangements are with Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home, Rapid City. Friends may sign the online guest book and leave condolences at www.osheimschmidt.com.