John A. Thomas
Died March 21, 2019
NORTHPORT – John Alden Thomas, 85, of Northport peacefully passed away on March 21, 2019 in his home surrounded by family and friends.
Born October 28, 1933 in Saginaw, he was the son of Priscilla (Besaw) Thomas. On March 16, 1963 in Detroit he married the love of his life, Margot Annette (Powell) Thomas, who survives.
As a young man, John was very athletic and excelled in most sports even holding a single game basketball record in the old gym of Northport High School. After serving his nation in the US Coast Guard during the Korean War, John found his self-taught gift for golfing and spent countless hours with friends and family on the green.
He worked for decades for General Motors Chevrolet division where he had the opportunity to travel around the country. Most people will fondly remember John for his creative cooking, capturing the good times with his camera, on the golf course, or on his knees tending his garden.
His family treasures memories of vacations in Northport, bringing family and friends to share the unique experience and peacefulness only Northport could provide. He had a huge heart and welcomed all into his home, often turning friends into family, as was his nature to be especially kind to those in need. He'd often bump into someone in his travels and in a few minutes of friendly chatter either find out they knew each other or would gain a new friend. John was a people person, had a great sense of humor, whose family was the most important thing to him.
He is survived by his loving wife of fifty-six years, Margot; three children, Marsha C. (David) Hesselbrock, Mark A. Thomas, Jennifer J (Scot) Wack; three siblings, Frederick H. Thomas, Barbara J. (Larry) Richmond, Patricia (Thomas) Richards; four grandchildren, Kimberly Babin, Chelsie (Colby) Lambright, Amalie Wack, Alden Wack, and a great grandson, Jaxsen.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and sister, Judith (Dale) VanWormer.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 30 at Bethany Lutheran Church of Northport with the family greeting friends one hour prior to the service. Pastor Ruth Overdier will officiate.
Burial in Leelanau Township Cemetery will be announced at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, friends may bring seeds and/or perennials /or memorials may be directed to Bethany Lutheran Church, PO Box 567, Northport, MI 49670 and/or Northport Area Heritage Association, Museum, PO Box 453, Northport, MI 49670.
Please share condolences with John’s family below or on our funeral home Facebook Page.
Died March 21, 2019
NORTHPORT – John Alden Thomas, 85, of Northport peacefully passed away on March 21, 2019 in his home surrounded by family and friends.
Born October 28, 1933 in Saginaw, he was the son of Priscilla (Besaw) Thomas. On March 16, 1963 in Detroit he married the love of his life, Margot Annette (Powell) Thomas, who survives.
As a young man, John was very athletic and excelled in most sports even holding a single game basketball record in the old gym of Northport High School. After serving his nation in the US Coast Guard during the Korean War, John found his self-taught gift for golfing and spent countless hours with friends and family on the green.
He worked for decades for General Motors Chevrolet division where he had the opportunity to travel around the country. Most people will fondly remember John for his creative cooking, capturing the good times with his camera, on the golf course, or on his knees tending his garden.
His family treasures memories of vacations in Northport, bringing family and friends to share the unique experience and peacefulness only Northport could provide. He had a huge heart and welcomed all into his home, often turning friends into family, as was his nature to be especially kind to those in need. He'd often bump into someone in his travels and in a few minutes of friendly chatter either find out they knew each other or would gain a new friend. John was a people person, had a great sense of humor, whose family was the most important thing to him.
He is survived by his loving wife of fifty-six years, Margot; three children, Marsha C. (David) Hesselbrock, Mark A. Thomas, Jennifer J (Scot) Wack; three siblings, Frederick H. Thomas, Barbara J. (Larry) Richmond, Patricia (Thomas) Richards; four grandchildren, Kimberly Babin, Chelsie (Colby) Lambright, Amalie Wack, Alden Wack, and a great grandson, Jaxsen.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and sister, Judith (Dale) VanWormer.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 30 at Bethany Lutheran Church of Northport with the family greeting friends one hour prior to the service. Pastor Ruth Overdier will officiate.
Burial in Leelanau Township Cemetery will be announced at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, friends may bring seeds and/or perennials /or memorials may be directed to Bethany Lutheran Church, PO Box 567, Northport, MI 49670 and/or Northport Area Heritage Association, Museum, PO Box 453, Northport, MI 49670.
Please share condolences with John’s family below or on our funeral home Facebook Page.
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