George Alexander Lafkas

George Alexander Lafkas passed away suddenly in Lansing, Michigan on June 26th at the age of 76 after an admirable and courageous health journey. He recognized the gift it was to have had the last 13 years and never took that time for granted. The love he felt for life was clear and impacted everyone that had the pleasure of knowing him.

George was born on March 6, 1947 to Alex and Mary (Zervas) Lafkas. He and his sister, Helene (Lafkas) Georgalan grew up in Muskegon. His family’s involvement with the Greek community and commitment to making sure all were well fed was something George took with him throughout his life. Through high school and his time at Muskegon Community College, George excelled at math, debate, and tennis. After completing his degree at Michigan State University, George taught math and then found his life’s work in public health. He was instrumental in developing programs and policies that reduced smoking, increased seatbelt use, and raised the drinking age to save lives. He received national awards for a workplace wellness program implemented across Michigan.

George had the honor of spending the last 24 years with Ann Marston, his beloved wife. He and Ann found so much joy spending time with family, friends, and neighbors, and cheering on the Spartans. They made great memories through travel to Lakeside, Siesta Key, Greece, China, and, most recently, across much of Europe including wonderful times in Norway.

George adored his role as a father and grandfather. His daughter, Demi (Lafkas) Brand and his granddaughter, Elise Brand, his son, Alex Lafkas, and daughter-in-law, Sarah (Bechtold) Lafkas, and son, Andrew Lafkas, and daughter-in-law, Marlene Lundenes never doubted the love and pride he felt for them and their accomplishments.

Those of us who knew George undoubtedly recall sharing a meal with him. Building on a value he learned from his parents, George recognized the power of food as a way to show love and bring people together. His pizza parties, barbecues, and sharing of sweets (both traditional American and Greek classics) brought him so much joy, a feeling that spread to the lucky recipients. He was a well-loved member of several groups of friends including golf and tennis groups, a long-standing poker group, and the “lunch bunch”. George was an active member of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, having served on the parish council as well as being past president of the Odyssey Program in Greek Language and Culture. Additionally, he was active with AHEPA (American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association), having served as the local chapter’s past president.

George was preceded in death by his parents, Alex and Mary Lafkas; brother-in-law, Dino Georgalan; and sister-in-law, Sara (Marston) Lippman. He is survived by wife, Ann Marston; sister, Helene Georgalan; children, daughters-in-law, grandchild, niece, nephew, and cousins.

A visitation for George will be held on Sunday, July 9, 2023 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, with the Trisagion service beginning at 7:30 PM, at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, 1730 East Grand River Ave., East Lansing, MI 48823. A funeral service will take place on Monday, July 10, 2023 at 11:00 AM, with a one-hour prior visitation from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 1701 E Saginaw St., Lansing, MI 48912. Following the service, George will be laid to rest in Mount Hope Cemetery, 1709 E Mount Hope Ave., Lansing, MI 48910.

To spread George’s love of life and in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, Greek School - Odyssey Program, 1701 E Saginaw St., Lansing, Michigan 48912.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.greastlansing.com for George's family.