John "Jack" Gaylord, 75, passed away Tue evening, Sep 9, 2003, at his home in Alden.
Jack was born Nov 12, 1927, in St Clair Shores, the son of William and Nina Gaylord of Alden.
Jack enlisted in the US Navy in 1945, and was a gunner's mate and a cook on the USS Missouri at the signing of the peace treaty with Japan on V-J Day. He was honorably discharged in Aug 1946 and received several ribbons for serving his country.
He was married to Goldie L Zimmerman on Apr 28, 1950.
Jack worked as a machinist at Cone Drive Gear in Traverse City and Super Tool in Elk Rapids. He loved to hunt and fish especially on his property in Alden, and enjoyed electronics and CB radio as hobbies. He loved life and laughter, and cared deeply for his family and friends. He attended area churches regularly and visited his ailing wife several times a week.
The last eight years, Jack enjoyed surfing the Internet and often sent cheerful, funny and uplifting emails to hundreds of old and new friends as "der little devil."
He is survived by one brother, Bob Reese of St Louis, MO; his wife Goldie, and four sons - John and Bonnie (Harris), James and Isabel (Thornburg), Michael and Dale (Deater), all from Rapid City, and Patrick and Michelle (Lerch) of Bellaire; 14 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Mary Jane Barber; brother James Whipple; and an infant son.
A small memorial service will be held at his farm for family and friends, on Sep 20 at 11 am, with a potluck dinner afterwards.
In lieu of flowers, Jack's wish is to direct all memorials to the Grand Traverse Area Parkinson's Support Group.
