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Jerome J. Dzienis
Jerome J. Dzienis of Brighton, formerly of Royal Oak, died early Friday morning, November 3, 2006, at the Howell Care Center after a brief illness. He was 86 years old. Born in Detroit on April 26, 1920, after graduation from high school he was attending trade school for automotive design and courting Maxine Ellis, the sister of his fishing buddy, when Pearl Harbor was attacked late in 1941. He enlisted in the U.S. Marines and shipped off for the South Pacific where he spent the next four years as a Tech Sergeant and Tail Gunner. Jerry and Maxine kept up their correspondence through the war and when he came home they were married in September of 1944. They settled in Royal Oak and he went to work, first with Ford and then with General Motors, where he spent more than thirty years as a Senior Design Engineer. They were long time members of Shrine of the Little Flower Parish in Royal Oak.
After retirement, the Dzienises moved to Hendersonville, North Carolina, then back to Michigan where they lived in Frankenmuth, Troy and finally Brighton where they have made their home since the mid 1990¡¯s.
Jerry Dzienis loved golf, bowling and had a lifelong passion for fishing. He is survived by his wife of over 62 years, Maxine and by his daughter, Marlene (Dan) Lynch of Steilacoom, Washington; a son, Scott (Carol) Dzienis of South Lyon and granddaughters, Amanda Lynch, Katie and Becky Dzienis. A sister, Margie Frey and several nieces and nephews also survive.
Funeral services will be held at St. Patrick¡¯s Church, 711 Rickett Road, Brighton, on Monday at 2 PM. Fr. Karl Pung will officiate. Burial will follow in Calvary cemetery. Friends may visit at Lynch & Sons Funeral Home, 404 E. Liberty, Milford on Sunday from 2-8PM where a Vigil Service will take place at 7 PM. Memorials to the Avalon Hospice of Flint appreciated. Please call 248-684-6645 for additional information.
Patrick D. Gillies
Patrick D. Gillies, age 65, of Milford, died April 28, 2007. Loving husband of the late Ruth-Ann. Dearest father of Dennis (Terri), Jerry (Tracy), and Bill (Andrea). Proud Grandfather of Brian Patrick, Lauren Faith, Kathleen Ruth-Ann. Brother of Nancy Ellis, Donald and James. Also predeceased by two special brothers, Jack Grebe and Larry Ellis.
The family extends a special thank you to Heartland Hospice and Terry Evans, RN for her compassionate and loving care as we prepared for the final journey to eternal salvation. We love you dad.
A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church, 2201 Old US 23, Brighton Thursday, May 3, 11 AM. Father David F. Howell to officiate. Friends may visit at Lynch & Sons Funeral Home, 404 E. Liberty St., Milford, Tuesday 5�PM and Wednesday 2�PM. For further information call 248.684.6645.
Virginia B. Stolz
Virginia B. Stolz a lifetime resident of Milford, died on Thursday, April 19, 2007 at Huron Valley Sinai Hospital in Commerce Township. She was 91 years old. Born in the same home as her mother in Milford on September 5, 1915, Virginia was raised in Milford, the only child of Elmer & Venie (nee. Osborn) Wolf. In her early teens she met a big city kid, new to the village, named Howard Stolz and began a friendship before going steady at the age of sixteen. In 1933 she graduated from the old Milford High School located on Hickory Street and after her marriage to Howard on March 7, 1936, the newly-weds purchased the home on East Huron Street, just next door to the home where Virginia was born. Mr. & Mrs. Stolz were soon blessed with the births of their children, Howard Jr., Karen, Jay and Douglas and remained in Milford to raise their family while enjoying countless friendships with other residents and neighbors through the years. In January of 1994, Howard died at West Hickory Haven Nursing Home in Milford. A widow in her late seventies, Virginia faced her own health battles with gratitude for the loving support and presence of her family and good friends. Virginia was an optimist who enjoyed bright colors and birds. She was overjoyed to be a grandmother and always held her family at the center of her heart.
In addition to her beloved husband, Howard Sr., Virginia was preceded in death her granddaughter, Tracy. She is survived by her children, Howard A. (Barbara) Stolz, Jr., Karen Ann (Gary) McKay, Jay Thomas (Katherine) Stolz, Douglas G. (Tonya) Stolz; grandchildren, Mark (Teresa) Stolz, Michelle (Rick) Mirecki, Scott (Heather Phillips) Powers, Stefanie (Ronnie) Carr, Matthew (Anne) Stolz; great-grandchildren, Benjamin, Sarah, Kaitlyn, Ronnie and Sutton; as well as many extended family members, dear friends and neighbors who join with her family in mourning her passing while giving thanks to God for her life among them.
A Memorial Service will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to Odyssey Hospice or Karmanos Cancer Institute for breast cancer research. For more information phone Lynch & Sons Funeral Directors at 248-684-6645.
Donna Joanne McDonald
Donna Joanne McDonald a resident of Fort Myers, FL and former resident of Milford, MI died on January 3, 2007. She was 68 years old. Born on July 1, 1938 in Calumet, MI, the daughter of John & Mary Maynarich, Donna was raised in Detroit and graduated from Redford High School in 1957. In 1959, she met her future husband Jack McDonald while working in a loan office that was robbed, leaving her and her boss handcuffed to the bathroom sink. They began knocking on the bathroom walls, adjacent to the offices next door and Jack heard them, came to their rescue and called the police. Donna & Jack began dating ever since that day, falling very much in love and were later married on June 18, 1960. On November 9, 1961 they were blessed with the birth of their daughter Renee and would move northwest to the Village of Milford in the summer of 1966. In the following years Donna would enjoy the opportunity to see her daughter marry and begin her own family. On September 7, 1985, her cherished grandson Michael was born. Early on that same year, Jack was diagnosed with cancer and would lose his brave battle on May 11, 1986. Nearly three years after the death her husband, Donna moved to Fort Myers, FL and began working at South Seas Plantation as a sales secretary until her retirement in 2003.
Donna loved to dance. During one memorably hot summer she taught Renee and Renee’s cousins Kim and Denise to dance with the windows wide open and the music blaring. She was not at all timid in her enjoyment of Rock & Roll music and preferred to listen to it loudly. Standing out from her record collection was Neil Diamond, her absolute favorite artist that Donna often referred to as “her man.� She enjoyed bowling, swimming, biking and ice skating and in her leisure could most likely be found working on a crossword puzzle. Above all, Donna found her greatest joys and success at being a mother. Her desire for good times, laughter and goofing around made her a fun person to be around. As young parents, both Donna & Jack were very involved in their daughter’s life, as well as Renee’s friends lives; always wanting to know everything, enforcing curfews, protecting as parents do and doing so solely because of love. In the wake of Donna’s death, while packing up her mother’s belongings, Renee found both her mother’s and father’s wallet, each still holding a graduation photograph of Renee and another of Renee’s best friend Stacey––a friend the McDonald’s thought of, loved and regarded as their second daughter.
In addition to her daughter, Renee (Fred) Cicchitti, Donna is survived by her grandson, Michael; sister, Virginia Heebner and many extended family members, dear friends and neighbors.
A Memorial Service will be held at Lynch & Sons Funeral Home, 404 East Liberty, Milford Saturday, May 5, 2007 at Twelve O’clock. Fr. Leo Lulko will officiate. Burial of ashes will follow at Milford Memorial cemetery. Friends may visit at the Funeral Home one hour prior to service. Memorials may be made to the American Lung Asociation. For more information phone 248-684-6645.
Earle K. "Kip" Sommerfield
Earle K. "Kip" Sommerfield , a resident of Milford, died on April 17th, 2007 after an eight month battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 63 years old. Born on October 1st, 1943 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the son of Earle M. and Phyllis Larue (Kemp) Sommerfield, Kip grew up in Pennsylvania where he was a graduate of Valley Forge Military Academy. For the past thirty-seven years he has been well known for his work with General Motors SPO in Grand Blanc, where he has served as the Incentive Travel Manager for many years. It was through his work that he met Charlene Bradford, for whom he was a client. They fell in love and later married, on the spur of the moment, while they were together on a business trip in Las Vegas on Valentine’s Day, February 14th, 1996. Kip was ever the perfect husband and he enjoyed most being with family and spending time at home, “putzing� about with his John Deere tractor, or fixing something that need to be fixed—he could fix anything. He will always be remembered as a gentle, kind, wonderful man who loved being with people—especially on the golf course or at the poker table. In addition to Charlene, his beloved wife of eleven years, he is survived by children, Christopher (Beth) Sommerfield of Delaware, Jeff (Jessa) Sommerfield of PA, Jennifer (Kevin) Gehrholz of Waterford, Michelle (Matt) Tillotson of Royal Oak, and Steven Sharp of Royal Oak; grandchildren, Kyle, Davis, Richard, Keegan, Molly, Connor, William, Jack; his mother, Larue Sommerfield of PA; twin sister, Catherine “Kittie� Horner; sister, Doris (Ken) Lippman; sister-in-law, Diane (Joe) Schultheis and many nieces, nephews, & dear friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Earle. A Memorial Service will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 1955 E. Commerce Rd., Milford, on Saturday, April 28th, at 1:30PM, with The Rev. Walter Dawson officiating. Friends may visit at Lynch & Sons Funeral Home, 404 E. Liberty, Milford, on Thursday, April 26th, 5-9PM & Friday, April 27th, 5-9PM. Memorials may be made in his name to PanCAN for pancreatic cancer research-(PanCan 2141 Rosecrane Ave., suite 7000, El Segundo, CA 90245. For further information please phone 248-684-6645.
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Robert Douglas Wilson
Robert Douglas Wilson was called home to the Lord at the age of 44. Robb passed away in the loving arms of his mother and father, Wesley and Ruth Wilson. Born on January 10, 1963 in Pontiac, Michigan, Robb grew up in the Milford area. He graduated from Lakeland High School in 1981, and Grand Valley State University in 1987 with a Bachelors Degree in Advertising and Communication Arts.
Robb lived life with a passion, enjoying every adventure and challenge that came his way. During his illness, he said that he lived more in his 44 years on earth than many people do in 80. He loved life and all its possibilities. Robb traveled the world. From Paris to Budapest, Prague to Rome he went. When he returned, he would share wonderful and often hilarious stories of his trips that were always accompanied with pictures that proved them all to be true. Robb loved music and theater. He was involved in many productions throughout high school and later with the Huron Valley Community Theater. A favorite role was as the Prince in Cinderella. Wherever Robb went, drama followed!
Robb was a man of strong faith and a great love for his family and friends. He treasured his nieces, Jennifer and Michelle, and nephew, Mathew. During their youth, he was their special buddy. Many hours were spent playing games, riding go-carts, baking cookies and sharing secrets. With them, he enjoyed another childhood.
Robb has a large extended family, but to him, each one was special. Many summer afternoons were spent at his grandparents farm where he and his cousins often played. He spent many vacations with relatives in Empire, Michigan. Whether on the sand dunes or swimming in Lake Michigan, there was always a cousin or two in tow. During life’s difficult times, he found solace in the quiet of the northern woods.
Robb moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in advertising, and later, to Houston, Texas where he worked at Sage Group Advertising. Everyone recognized his creative spirit and keen sense of humor. Although he loved his work, personal relationships were of the utmost importance. Times spent with others, whether colleagues, friends or family were filled with laughter, sensitivity and love. Along his life journey, his kindness touched the heart of each person he encountered.
Robb asked that we thank all of you who shared his life journey; to celebrate the joy of his life, lift a glass of wine and remember the good times.
Robb is survived by his parents, Wesley and Ruth Wilson of Milford, brothers Jim (Patty) Wilson of Milford; Gerald Wilson of Milford; Donald Wilson of South Lyon; nieces Jennifer (Daniel) Williams of Fenton; Michelle Wilson of Ypsilanti; sister-in-law Laura Horton; nephew Mathew Wilson of Traverse City; newborn nephew Owen Williams; and many loving aunts, uncles, and cousins. Also left behind are his beloved cats, Lulu and Pharoah.
A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 1955 E. Commerce Rd., Milford, Wednesday, May 2, 10 AM. Burial St. Mary’s cemetery. Father Ron Anderson to officiate. Friends may visit Lynch & Sons, 404 E. Liberty St., Milford Tuesday 1�PM. Rosary Tuesday 7 PM. For further information please call 248.684.6645.
Wilburn E. Parson
Wilburn E. Parson, age 66, of Milford, died April 29, 2007.
survived by his beloved wife, Patricia; children, Mike (Diana) Parson, David Parson, Donna (Jerry) Kreuzel; grandchildren, Paul Kreuzel, Melisa Kreuzel, Krystal Parson, Shannon Parson, Shelley Parson; brothers, Wyman (Laurie) Parson, Tom (Violet) Parson, Larry (Janice) Parson. Also many extended family members and a host of loving friends.
Services will be held privately by the family. Memorial contributions made to the Parson family are appreciated. For more information phone Lynch & Sons Funeral Directors, Milford at 248-684-6645.
Patsy Pfaff-Cox
Patsy Pfaff-Cox age 70, of Avon Park, FL, joined our Heavenly Father June 1, 2007. Beloved wife of William. Dear mother of Sheila (Ralph) Solomon, Janet (Bob Hinchcliffe) Lieder, Patricia (Hal) Hardy, Kenny (Lorie) Bishop, the late Michael (Lori) Bishop, Sheri (Ralph) Pyc, Cynthia (Jack) Stowers and Stephen (Evonne) Bishop. Step-mother of Robert (Helene) Pfaff, Audra (Stan) Kilanowski and Louis (Tammy) Cox. Cherished grandmother of Jeremy, Kimberly, Matthew, Jason, Erica, Erin, Jamie, Ryan, Carrie, & Laura; great-grandmother of 3. Loving sister of LeRoy, Robert, Margaret, Alma, Caroline, Teddy, Lois and Jane. Patsy dedicated her life to her family and her friends. She touched the lives of everyone who knew her. She was loved and will be greatly missed. She was a member of Christ the King Lutheran Church in Port Charlotte, FL. A Funeral Service will be held at Lynch & Sons Funeral Home, 404 E. Liberty, Milford, MI, Friday, June 8, 10 AM. Friends may visit Wednesday 5-9 PM & Thursday 2-9 PM. Memorial contributions may be made to Hope Hospice or ALS Association. For further information call 248-684-6645.
Basil Fattaleh
Basil Fattaleh a resident of Milford for over thirty-years, died on Thursday, May 24, 2007 in Tampa, FL. Born on June 5, 1918, he was the oldest of Michael & Edna Fattaleh¡¯s four children. At a young age he felt responsible for his siblings and helped to provide and care for them. Working in his father¡¯s grocery store and caf¨¦ while attending school, it was at this early age that his dedication to family deepened. He carried this devotion with him when he returned from the United States Air Force Service in WWII. He was a romantic that reflected in his big smile and sparkling blue eyes and was known to spontaneously whistle, sing, or dance. Shortly after WWII he saw a pretty Alice Catherine Anton crossing the street, for which he could not resist and gave out a whistle. One year after that whistle, they were married on September 2, 1946. The newlyweds opened a small grocery store in Phoenix before returning to Detroit shortly after the birth of their first son, Daniel. Enjoying their new lives together as parents they purchased a home and were later blessed with the births of their second son, Dennis and daughter, Janet.
Basil¡¯s sense of family devotion led to a very secure household with a lot of happy memories. For Danny and Dennis, it meant having a father who accompanied them on camping trips with the Scouts, helping them catch fish, and work with them on projects. He helped Dennis make his first go-kart by taking the wheels of the old baby buggy and the motor off the old lawn mower. As Danny and Dennis grew up, he was there as their golfing buddy and they became accomplished duffers. For Janet, it meant a dad who took her on dates when she was little when Alice was busy with the women¡¯s card club night. That¡¯s where Janet learned how a gentleman treats a lady: opening doors, having a nice dinner, going for a movie, and having a little song sang and a little dance at the end of the evening. She would often see Basil singing and dancing with Alice in the kitchen as she prepared supper or made cookies.
Dad was always there for us three kids. He supported us, made sure he was there for us, and encouraged us to be the best we could. He paved our way and he let us know that he was proud of us. He loved us very deeply, but even more, he loved Alice and wanted to be with her. We know he¡¯ll be singing to her and slow dancing with her and letting her know how much he loves her.
Basil was preceded in death by his beloved wife Alice in 2004. In addition to his children, Daniel (Helene) Daniels, Dennis Fattaleh, Janet (Charles) Buhse, he is survived by his grandchildren, Jennifer (Andrew) Newman, David Daniels, Robert Daniels, Stacy Daniels, Alex Fattaleh, Jeannine Buhse and Laura Buhse; great-grandchildren, Joshua and Alexis; brother, John; sister, Katherine and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members and dear friends.
A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary Catholic Church, 1955 E. Commerce Rd., Milford Friday 11AM with Fr. Ron Anderson officiating. Entombment will follow at Oakland Hills cemetery, Novi. Friends may visit at Lynch & Sons Funeral Home, 404 E. Liberty, Milford, Thursday 4-9PM. For more information call 248.684.6645
Doris I. Croy
Doris I. Croy, age 90, formerly of Lincoln Park, died on May 25, 2007. She is survived by her son, Dennis (Ann) Croy of Milford; daughter, Donna Sue (James) Woods of Sanford, 5 grandchildren & 10 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Ralph ¡°Paul¡± Croy in 1988, a brother, Harold Putt and sister, Margaret Allen.
A Memorial Service will be held at St. Michael¡¯s Episcopal Church, 1325 Champaign Road, Lincoln Park, May 31 at 12PM. Luncheon to follow Memorial Service. Memorials may be made to St. Michael¡¯s Episcopal Church. For further information please call 248-684-6645.
June Marie Couture
June Marie Couture , a resident of Highland Township, went to be with the Lord on Thursday morning, May 31st, 2007. She was 73 years old. Born to Roy & Helen Armbruster on June 11th, 1933 in Detroit, June grew up in Commerce Township and was a 1951 graduate of Walled Lake High School. Following high school she attended Cleary College and went on to work as a loan officer with GMAC in Bloomfield Hills for over fifteen years. A long term member of Union Lake Baptist Church; she trusted and loved the Lord Jesus Christ. Her life presented challenges that drew her closer to Him and demonstrated a life full of joy because of her focus on Christ. She sincerely loved others and helped and prayed for countless people. She is survived by her sons, Craig Couture of Florida, Larry, John, & Kurt Couture of Michigan; nine grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Also surviving are her sister, Jane Larson of Clarkston, brother, Bill Armbruster of Oregon, and a host of nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband John S. Couture in 1969.
Funeral from Union Lake Baptist Church, 8390 Commerce Rd., Commerce, Monday, June 4th, 12 PM. Dr. Richard Griffin to officiate. Burial Commerce cemetery. Friends may visit at Lynch & Sons Funeral Home, 404 E. Liberty, Milford, Sunday 3-8 PM. For further information call 248-684-6645.
Jerome F. "Jerry" Kapanowski age 70 of Milford for over 35 years, May 27, 2007. Loving husband of Carol. Dear father of Julie (Brad) Petty, Marty (Cindy), Kenny (Carolyn) and Maureen (Mark) MacDowell. Loving grandfather of 10 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. Loved by many extended family and dear friends. Funeral from Saint Mary Catholic Church, 1955 E. Commerce Rd., Milford, Thursday 11 AM. Friends may visit at church at 10:30 AM. Father Ron Anderson to officiate. Friends may visit at Lynch & Sons Funeral Home, 404 E. Liberty, Milford, Wednesday 2-9PM. Rosary service 7PM. For further information please call 248-684-6645.
Helen Josephine Lawson
Helen Josephine Lawson, age 90 of Milford, formally of Ypsilanti, May 26, 2007.
Loving mother of Woodrow (Joyce) Daniels of Milford and Jack (Bettie) Daniels of Westland. Dear sister of Belle Hopkins of Vero Beach, FL. 8 Grandchildren, 14 Great-Grandchildren and 4 Great-Great Grandchildren. Also many loving nieces, nephews, extended family and dear friends.
Helen was born on Nov. 7, 1916 in Freeburn, KY. She was one of 12 born to Angeline (Norman) Francis and William Francis. She married Grover W. Lawson on July 9, 1951 in Edgarton, W. VA. Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Grover W. Lawson, her son, Larry Lawson of Ypsilanti and Great-granddaughter, Jessica Valko of Milford.
Funeral from Lynch & Sons Funeral Home, 404 E. Liberty, Milford Wednesday, 11 AM. Rev. Richard E. Pape to officiate. Friends may visit Tuesday 4-9PM. Burial Highland cemetery, Ypsilanti. For further information please call 248-684-6645.
Roger Felix DeClercq
Roger Felix DeClercq , a resident of Commerce Township, died on Sunday, May 20th, 2007 at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing. He was 77 years old. Born in Isegem, Belgium on January 7, 1930, he was the son of Victor and Margaret (nee Lenore) DeClercq. After his father¡¯s death, Roger emigrated to the United States with his mother, passing through Ellis Island and settling in Detroit when he was 15 years old. After owning his own dry cleaners and working other jobs, Roger began his long career in law enforcement, starting as a Patrolman and rising to the rank of Sergeant in Harper Woods. After fifteen years on the job, he attended the Detroit Police Academy and FBI School. He served as police chief in New Haven and then moved to Wixom where he served with the Wixom Police Department as a Patrolman, later in their K-9 and Mounted Divisions and his last years as a detective. He retired in 1988 after 23 years with the Wixom Department. With his first wife, Virginia, Mr. DeClercq raised three daughters and three sons and in 1975 he married Mary Misko. They made their home on Chickory Lane in Commerce Township for over thirty years. Roger De Clercq was a ¡°stubborn Belgian¡± who loved his family, his horses, cats and dogs and was well known for his willingness to help, his honesty, his fairness and the fact that you always knew where you stood with him. He leaves a legacy of public service and rich family memories. He is survived by his wife, Mary DeClercq; children, Diane DeClercq of Commerce, Donald DeClercq of Roseville, David (Terese) DeClercq of Clinton Twp., Robert DeClercq of Roseville, Susan DeClercq of Commerce, Dawn DeClercq of Commerce, granddaughter, Danielle Erb and his many loving sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews and dear friends who join with his family in mourning his death and giving thanks to God for his life among them. >
Funeral from Lynch & Sons Funeral Home, 404 E. Liberty, Milford, Friday, May 25th, 9:15AM to St. William Catholic Church, 531 Common St Walled Lake, for Mass at 10AM. Fr. Edward Scheuerman will officiate. Burial Oakland Hills cemetery, Novi. Friends may visit at Lynch & Sons Funeral Home, 404 E. Liberty, Milford, Wednesday 4-9PM & Thursday 2-9 PM. Vigil Service Thursday 7PM. Memorials may be made in his name to St. Jude's Children Hospital or to the Michigan Humane Society. For further information call 248-684-6645.
Andrew Austin Hudson
Andrew Austin Hudson, age 31 of East Lansing passed away in San Francisco, CA on July 20, 2007. Drew is the son of the late Julie Reader and is survived by his father, James H. Hudson and step-mother, Terry L. Hudson of Indianapolis, IN. He is also survived by many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, relatives & friends. Drew lived most of his life in East Lansing, where he graduated from high school. He was a 2000 graduate of the Culinary Institute of America and was working in San Francisco. A Graveside Service will be held at Milford Memorial cemetery, (located on Atlantic Street at Wixom Road) in Milford, on Saturday, August 4th, at 1PM. For further information please contact Lynch & Sons Funeral Home, 404 E. Liberty Street, Milford, at 248-684-6645.
Gary Joseph Gray
Gary Joseph Gray, a resident of Highland Township for over twenty-four years, died at Huron Valley Sinai Hospital in Commerce Township after a courageous battle with cancer on Saturday, July 28, 2007. He was 58 years old. Born on March 7, 1949, the oldest of Frank & Geraldine Gray¡¯s six children, Gary was raised in Detroit, revered as the leader to his younger siblings. Early on in his life, he discovered fishing and was forever hooked. Amidst the highlights of his many fishing tales, there were never enough fish, nor hours in the day for him and his brother Glen to catch them. In 1967 Gary graduated from Cody High School and went on to study technical drafting at Lawrence Tech. He had an extraordinary talent for capturing proportion and perspective and could free hand even the most elaborate blueprints. His gifted eye for design & drafting afforded him job opportunities with Parliament Design and KJ Law before beginning his own business enterprise-Contemporary Trim Finish Carpentry in Highland. In 1980 he met Betty Borchardt and fell in love before their marriage in September of 1982. Mr. & Mrs. Gray moved to the home on Woodruff Lake Road in Highland Township and were soon blessed with the births of their daughters, Jessica and Amy and son, Scott. In the past twenty-four years Gary has donated much of his time and talents to Highland and Milford communities where he was well known for his reputable business and integral role in the construction of Highland Station Railroad Park and Milford Senior Center.
Gary Gray was a humorous and quiet man, best known for his unwavering generosities and solid friendship. He was involved in nearly every dynamic of his immediate and extended family, and was happiest in the company of those he loved. Extremely proud of his children, he enjoyed the opportunities to coach their softball & baseball teams, and like all great fathers, was able to be a Dad while being a best friend simultaneously. Memorable times were made in Frankfort, Michigan where, for over ten years, he has vacationed with his wife and family and taken his bass boat out for countless fishing trips. A devoted member of The Michigan Steelhead and Salmon Fishermen's Association (MSSFA) and one time Member of the Year recipient, his love and respect for nature was evident in his teaching his son Scott how to be a good outdoorsman. He was also an avid fan of music, mostly classic Rock & Roll, and adding to his endless resum¨¦ of talents was his ability to play the bass guitar and perform in The Crescents, a band he gigged with several years ago. Since his diagnosis and all throughout his recent cancer treatment, Gary never lost his great sense of hope and optimism. No matter how dark the day became, he was determined to live life to the fullest, unknowingly inspiring those around him to do the same.
In addition to Betty (Borchardt), his beloved wife of over 24 years; daughters, Jessica and Amy; and son, Scott, Gary is survived by his father, Frank Gray; brothers, Bob (Cindy) Gray, Glen (Paula) Gray; sisters, Gail (Alan) Jadczak, Anita (Dennis) Wright, Anna (Don) Sylvester; mother-in-law, Joan Borchardt, and many nieces, nephews, in-laws and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his mother, Geraldine in 1998 and father-in-law, Gordon Borchardt in 1996.
A Funeral Service will be held at Lynch & Sons Funeral Home, 404 E. Liberty, Milford, on Wednesday, August 1st, at 11AM, with Fr. Leo Lulko officiating. Friends may visit Monday 6-9PM and Tuesday 1-9PM. Memorials may be made to the Gray family or to your local hospice. For further information please phone 248-684-6645.
Elizabeth M. 'Betty' Tiley
Elizabeth M. 'Betty' Tiley age 91, longtime resident of Commerce, died July 30, 2007.
Loving sister of Nita (Walter) Burgess, Alex (Jean) Hepburn, the late Margaret (Bob) Plenderleith and the late Andrew (Mary) Hepburn.
Dear aunt of Thomas Plenderleith, Matthew Plenderleith, Jane (James) Wilson, Christine (Edwin) Murray Dorothy (John) King, Brian (Graciela) Hepburn, Audrey (Alan) Cahow, Elizabeth Hepburn, Thomas (Una) Hepburn, Janet Hepburn, Andrew (Wendy) Hepburn, Elizabeth Burgess, Alan (Tina) Burgess, Duncan Hepburn, Alexa (Jonathon) Hepburn & Ross (Maggie) Hepburn.
Great aunt of Angela, Yvonne, Erin, Fraser, Andrea, Jennifer, Stephanie, Heather, Melissa, Michael, Iain, Emma, Islay, Lachlan, Macgregor, Allister, Cameron, Marion and Andrew.
Great-great aunt of Heather, Lena, James, Dale, Jilian, Brielle, Malcolm, Megan, Joshua. Also leaves many dear friends.
A Funeral Service will be held at Lynch & Sons Funeral Home, 404 E. Liberty, Milford, Friday, 11 AM. Rev. John Harris to officiate. Burial Commerce cemetery. Friends may visit Thursday, 6-9 PM. For further information call 248-684-6645.
Harry R. Sobbe
Harry R. Sobbe, age 66 of Highland Twp., died July 25, 2007.
survived by his beloved wife, Joan (nee Wasaquam); children, Kimberly Sobbe, Christopher Sobbe; grandchildren, Nicholas & Casey; sisters, Marilyn VerLinden and family, Della Norush and family; brothers, Henry ¡°Chip¡± Sobbe and family, Bernard Sobbe and family; and many dear friends.
Mr. Sobbe was a former firefighter with Highland Twp. for 10 years, a former Park Ranger with Kensington Metro Park for over 20 years, and retired from Numatics in 2006.
The family of Harry Sobbe invites friends and neighbors to a memorial gathering at their home from 1:30 pm¡ª4:00 pm on Saturday, August 4. For further information, please contact Lynch & Sons at 248.684.6645.
