Elmer Bisard, 85, of Kalkaska and formerly of Owosso, died May 31, 2002, at Kalkaska Memorial Heath Center. A long time resident of Owosso, Mr. Bisard was one of the original principals of and a former president of Toledo Commutator Company when it was organized in Owosso.
Mr. Bisard was born in Manistee County Apr 12, 1917, the son of Sherman and Fern (Richmond) Bisard. He moved to the Owosso area with the family in 1922 and was valedictorian of his Owosso High School class, graduating in 1934. He then continued his education at the Owosso Business Institute and in 1936, became an employee of Renown Stove Company, Owosso.
His association with Toledo Commutator began in 1950 when Toledo Standard Commutator Company of Toledo, OH, was purchased by Renown and moved to Owosso. In 1953, when Renown Stove Company was liquidated, Toledo Commutator was sold to Elmer Bisard, Walter Howe, and Elmer Haver. The company was subsequently sold to Richard Loudon who continued the business in Owosso. Mr. Bisard worked for the company initially in sales, then served in several capacities, including secretary, assistant treasurer, purchasing manager, sales manager, vice president and executive vice president before becoming the company's president.
Mr. Bisard retired in 1963 and soon thereafter moved to Bear Lake, near Kalkaska with his wife, Sally.
He and Sally E Morrice were married Jan 29, 1940, in Morrice. She died Jan 2, 2000.
Active in community affairs, Mr. Bisard served as president of the Owosso YMCA (now know as the Shiawassee Family YMCA), the Owosso Country Club and the Owosso City Club. He was one of the founders and was a president of the Owosso Y's Men Club.
In 1982, he was named "Boss of the Year" by the Owosso-Corunna Area Chamber of Commerce.
A former member of the board of directors of Junior Achievement of Greater Genesee Valley, he also was a former member of the Owosso Area Jaycees, the Michigan State Chamber of Commerce and the National Electrical Manufacturers Association.
Mr. Bisard is survived by sons Michael (Julie) Morrice of LaConchita, CA and Thomas M Bisard of Kalkaska; a special daughter, Joanna Canndler of Santa Barbara, CA; brothers Bill (Ruth) Bisard of Lansing and Jim (June) Bisard of Prattville, AL; and five grandchildren.
He was predeceased by his wife, Sally; brother Bernie Bisard and sister Iris Pitt.
Memorial services for Mr. Bisard will be held in both Kalkaska and Owosso at dates and times to be announced later. The family suggests memorials to the Shiawassee Family UMCA or to Interlochen Center for the Arts.
Arrangements were handled by Wolfe Funeral Home in Kalkaska.
