John Pattison

John Thomas Pattison passed away Wednesday, November 21, 2007, after a courageous battle of stomach cancer. He was a fighter to the very end. He will be missed by family, friends and all who knew him.

Many of these fond memories were from John’s own words and thoughts.

John was born August 5, 1942 in Lowell, Michigan. His parents were John Thomas Pattison and Ethel “Odessa” Pattison. His parents died when John was very young. He was raised by his brother Harrison Dennis and later by his sister Joy Corey (husband Don). His sister Joy had a special place in his heart. John had four sisters and five brothers. His sisters were Bea, Vera, Arlene and Joy. His brothers were E.J., Leon, Wayne, Harrison (Chick) and Dale. Throughout the years he looked forward to and enjoyed the annual family reunions with all of his siblings and their families.

John entered the Army September 17, 1959 and married Donna Heiftje in 1960. They lived in Hawaii where their daughter Cynthia Mae was born. When they returned to Michigan they eventually settled in Cutlerville. They then had three sons, John Thomas, Mark Allen and David Wayne. Their mother then became ill and passed away in 1968 of multiple sclerosis. John was so very grateful and blessed for the birth she gave of his four children.

John and his current wife, Dawn Myra Pattison, of 38 years were married in 1969 and had daughter, Tracie Lynn. John's family was a family of five children. Soon his children grew and had families of their own which gave John 16 grandchildren. Cindy and George had Shelly (Bell), Travis (Mr. T.), Bryan and Staci. John had Johnny “Boy” and Amber. Mark and Sandy had Adam, Andrea, Ben, and Jordan. David and Sheri had Nick and Christine. Later, David married his current wife, Jeri with sons Ian and Karsten. Tracie married Bob with daughters Sarah and Samantha. John also had six great grandchildren.

John worked in manufacturing as a manager/supervisor. Hi-Ram in Grandville, BSR in Newaygo, LDI in Kentwood and Saturn in Coopersville. He’d like to thank all the working people that made him successful in his career. He had many side jobs which included carpet cleaning, janitorial business, he bought and managed apartments and invested his money very wisely so he was able to retire in April 2001 and moved to Higgins Lake where he enjoyed a lot of boating, swimming and the sun with his lake friends. Being tired of the cold and snow he bought a fifth wheel (his lounge) and wintered in the sunshine of Key West, Florida, at Lazy Lakes RV Resort with his new snowbird friends. He played horseshoes and was known as “Ringer John”. His other activities included pool volleyball, fishing and the many trips to Duval Street and Mallory Square.

John liked to travel, scuba dive, downhill ski, fish, hunt and have a darn good time. He loved his music, old time rock n' roll, old time country and more. He bought his own karaoke machine just so he could sing anytime! He put on many karaoke shows for the RV parks throughout his travels around the country.

John leaves behind his brother Dale (wife Thea) who had an influence on John’s life (yes, Dale you did!) John always enjoyed those morning coffee visits. John admired your ability to restore cars and shared your interest. Every time John saw a newly restored car he said “I wish Dale could see this”. John also leaves behind his sister-in-law Patty Dennis, who was his source of adventure and competition. There was also sister-in-law Margie Jensen who knows most of the family history and was a dear and sweet lady to John. Nephew Larry Dennis (wife Dawn) who was more like a brother to him, John had many great childhood memories. All were special in his life.

John loved his wife, children, family and friends and opened his heart to God. John said thank you for all of your prayers. John said he saw God's face and talked to him so we now know John walks with God!

Thank you Dr. Dudley.

PATTISON Mr. John Thomas Pattison, aged 65 of Higgins Lake, MI, passed away on Wednesday morning, November 21, 2007 in Howard City MI. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Ethel “Odessa” Pattison; his sisters, Bea, Vera, Arlene, and Joy; his brothers, EJ, Leon, Wayne and Harrison. He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Dawn Pattison (Dale); his children, Cindy (George) Halstead, John Pattison (friend Shalon), Mark (Sandy) Pattison, David (Jeri) Pattison, Tracie (Bob) Lipscomb; his 16 grandchildren, Shelly, Travis, Bryan, Staci Halstead, Johnny and Amber Pattison, Adam, Andrea, Ben and Jordon Pattison, Nick and Christine Pattison, Ian and Karsten Talaber, Sarah and Samantha Lipscomb; 6 great grandchildren; His brother, Dale (Thea) Dennis; his sisters-in-law, Marge Jensen, Patty Dennis, Lou Ann Dennis and Eleanor Dennis; his nephew, Larry (Dawn) Dennis; many other nieces and nephews and many friends. Cremation had taken place. There will be no services. Contributions in his memory may be made to the American Cancer Society. To read more about John’s life, to sign his guest book and to leave your own memories of him, please visit his web page at www.lifestorynet.com