October 26, 1942 - December 23, 2020
On a wintry October morning a little boy was born to William M. Rennie and Inez J. (Kratochvil) Rennie; both from pioneer families. The country doctor was called to the big house on the hill to attend the delivery. His father announced that he would be called Sandy, and it has been Sandy ever since.
It was pretty much understood early on that Sandy would follow his father's footsteps to become a farmer, so a life of hard work began. After years of working together, his parents were able to retire, and Sandy carried on the daily tasks of the farm. Although Sandy could be a “prankster” as the younger brother, he was an ideal son.
Sandy attended Elk Rapids Schools all his life, except for a year at Williamsburg. He attended Northwestern Michigan College and Michigan State University where he studied agriculture. Sandy was well liked in school and remained good friends with many classmates to this day.
Sandy eventually met the girl of his dreams, Linda Marie Arntson. They were married on September 11, 1971. They welcomed Amy and later Matthew into their lives. On February 12, 2013, Linda passed away due to cancer, leaving him to grieve while raising two grandsons. He prayed each night with his grandsons, assuring them that they were loved by God, and were prayed for by friends and family.
Making a living as a farmer is very challenging. He opened the u-pick for cherries and then apples. His fruit was top notch. People from all around came and he took great pride in making it an experience they would remember for a long time. He and Linda created a fall setting with a tepee, pumpkins, maze and corn shocks. Hundreds come to enjoy the freedom of roaming the grounds and taking pictures.
School children arrived from miles around each fall for the famous Rennie Orchard's tour. They learned the proper way to pick an apple, and then they got to keep it. He loved telling them all about apples, many times including the story of Johnny Appleseed. Sandy loved greeting the visitors. “Where are you from?” he would ask all who visited him. It didn't matter to him whether you were a first-time visitor or had been coming for years. He loved each and every one. He believed in and followed the Golden Rule.
Sandy was a “true” Rennie, he liked to tell a tale. Their dictionary somehow omitted the words “condense” and “summarize.” After all, that would diminish the story. Tradition was a big part of his life, each year joining his grandchildren on their rides during Harbor Days. He was happy and proud to have lots and lots of tickets, so that they could have a good time. He could be seen early in the afternoon in his famous straw hat, blanket under his arm, trudging to the little knoll by the harbor to reserve a special spot to watch the fireworks with his family, continuing on as he and Linda had done.
Sandy was never bored as his interests were many. He loved sports and was a loyal fan, especially his Alma Mater Michigan State. He loved deer hunting, and shot his last buck just this fall.
We thank God for sharing this good and pure soul with our family and his many friends. He has been called back home. Some have said that the line at the Pearly Gates might be held up for a while, as Sandy was engaged with St. Peter in conversation.
Sandy leaves behind two children, Amy Rennie-Wood, and Matthew Rennie, grandchildren Adriana and Kieran Falicki, Bristol Wood, Johnathon Rennie, Matthew Rennie, Journey Rennie and a sister Alice Roleen (Marvin) Carpenter, sisters-in-law Deanna Arntson and Christine (Thomas) Fulger, as well as his loyal and long-time employees; Joelle Wrobel-Feenstra, Martin Chimeo, Blackie Alvarez, and Steve Fromage and many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
He was predeceased by his parents, his wife Linda, and his brother Robert.
As soon as it is safe to congregate, a celebration of life will be held at Rennie Orchards to honor his great life.
Memorial Donations in Sandy's name can be made to Acme Christian Thrift Store (ACTS) Food Pantry, 8925 Route 72 E., Williamsburg, Michigan 49690. Also, should you care to contribute to the celebration for Sandy, send them to: Roleen Carpenter, P.O. 433, Elk Rapids, MI 49629. Make checks payable to Roleen Carpenter.
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