Donald W.
Maki
Died
April 1, 2018
SUTTONS BAY - Donald W. Maki, 68, of Suttons Bay, passed away
at his home on April 1, 2018.
He was born on Aug. 29, 1949 in Detroit, the son of Wm. O. and
Violet (McLeod) Maki, who preceded him in death.
Don proudly served his country as a member of the US Army, 25th
Infantry “Tropic Lightning” Recon Division in Vietnam, earning Two Purple
Hearts, Combat Infantry Badge and Vietnam Service Ribbon. His experience in Vietnam had a profound
effect that followed him throughout his life.
Don was proud of his career with the USPS working as a Postal
Carrier in Livonia and eventually retiring from the Post Office in Traverse
City.
He was a true Michigander who loved living “Up North”. His happiest times were spent in the UP and
on or near any one of Michigan’s Great Lakes.
Music played a great role in his life and his eclectic choices ranged
from Motown to Mozart…Charlie Pride to Itzhak Perlman.
He is survived by his children, Derek (Lara) Maki of Lake
Orion, and Amy (Craig) Latta of Ann Arbor; four grandchildren, Natalie and Ethan Maki, Lauren and Gabe Latta; siblings, Gary (Debbi) Maki of Ypsilanti,
and Maria (Brian Smith) Maki of Paw Paw, and his “Brother from Another Mother”
Robbie (Liz Mullarkey) Bryson of San Diego, CA.
Cremation has taken place. A small family gathering will be held at a
future date.
Memorials may be sent to Cherryland Humane Society, 1750
Ahlberg Dr., Traverse City, MI 49696 or to an animal shelter of your choice.
Condolences and memories may be shared below or on our Facebook page.
Dear cousin you will be truly missed on our Traverse City visits. We will remember our good times together eating ravioli at your beautiful waterfront home, testing our skills at the driving range, meeting for dinner at your favorite Apache Trout Grill and all our laughs. We are at peace knowing you are reunited with your mother and father. Love always, Kathy and Steve (aka Big Foot)
ReplyDeleteRest in Peace Don! From one grunt to another. Sincerely, William "Bill" Gulvas
ReplyDeleteDon,
ReplyDeleteI was only a young adolescent but one of the best summers of my young life was when you were coaching us in Pewee Baseball! You were a great coach and mentor and between the time you spent coaching us in baseball to chilling on the Boat at the Suttons Bay Marina, we had a great summer. Thanks for the wonderful memories and you will be missed around the community. Leelanau County and Northern Michigan has lost a great man but you will live on in the many young (not so young any more) lives you touched and the young men you empowered!
All of my love,
Adam Sohasky