John Michael Eridon

John Michael Eridon passed away June 9, 2024. He was born August 22, 1952, and grew up in Dearborn, MI, He graduated from Edsel Ford High School and received his Bachelor of Science in Metallurgy from Western Michigan University. John is preceded in death by his parents John Eridon, Florence (Jones) Eridon and niece Amy Elizabeth Fedel.

John embraced small town life when he moved to Whitehall in 1975 to work at Howmet Technical Center and he met his to-be wife Deb Svensson. They were married “4 sailboats and 4.1 dogs” worth. They celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary June 2nd in their long tradition with Chip and Sue Sawyer, overlooking White Lake.

John was able to retire in 2012 from Cannon-Muskegon Corporation where together with colleagues, he was granted two patents. He traveled extensively in his position to Europe and Japan, sharing his expertise through multiple presentations.

John was a proficient and passionate sailor. He shared his love with Deb, who took him sailing on their first date, his first time on a sailboat. Thus began 40 years of trips crossing Lake Michigan, sailing the Michigan and Wisconsin shorelines and multiple trips to the bareboat sailing in the Caribbean with friends. They were lucky in life to travel extensively, enjoying their favorite places like the Big Island, HI, Cabo, San Francisco and Tucson to mention just a few.

In 1976 John earned his private pilot license and in 1977 he flew the single engine plane to the Grand Canyon and back, an achievement that created a favorite memory. John was a member of the Seaway Gun Club where he enjoyed skeet shooting over the years, beginning with competitive shooting in high school, earning medals and trophies. John worked at keeping his “Greek god” body by jogging, swimming and exercising during lunch hours, though he also enjoyed his lunch hour naps in his car at the Pere Marquette ovals. His life membership at Fetch brewpub is evidence of his love of IPAs which was only surpassed by his enjoyment of good red wine.

John was diagnosed with Parkinson's just two years ago. In January 2024, he transitioned to White Lake Assisted Living Memory Care, where he received safe and concerned care from excellent staff. With the dedication of friends and family, John was able to take multiple afternoons out and about for lunches and happy hours. On the day of his death John was to have happy hour with friends, but sadly he “received a better offer”.

John is survived by his wife, Debra Svensson, his sister Jean Eridon (Mike Fedel), his brother Jim (Catherine) Eridon, and younger brother Joe (Amy Clithero) Eridon as well as nieces and nephews whom he enjoyed getting to know over the years on the sailboat, shooting and cutting Christmas trees. He is also survived by sister-in-laws Cheryl Veihl and Janet (Jerry) Grady, God-kids Kevin Frasier and Jennifer Frasier-Passman and loving cousins, nieces and nephews.

There will be a celebration of life at Fetch brewpub in Whitehall on July 10th from 2:00 to 4:00. In lieu of flowers, contributions would be welcomed for the Humane Society as a tribute to the puppies that enriched John’s life.

Please visit www.everrestfuneralhomeandchapel.com for further information.