John H. Dodge

2/8/1950 – 3/5/2010

It is with great sadness that our family marks the passing of John H. Dodge, who died at the age of 60. He will be sorely missed by his many friends and his wife and best friend, Diane; sons: Charlie (Kelli Bressette, Gabe Leland) Dodge and Ben (Tristen) Dodge, and grandchildren: Wil, Owen, and Harper Dodge; his mother Jane Dodge, and puppies Puggie and Sparky. He is also survived by his sisters: Carol, and Sue (Willis) Bennett and their children Katy and Claire; brother Bill (Judy) Dodge and their children Travis and Leah. He was preceded in death by his father Howard. He was a graduate of Lansing Eastern High School and Northwood Institute.

John was a self-employed entrepreneur, who started in business at Uncle John’s Pancake House, owned the Indian Head Motel in Williamston, The Dodge House, Sneekers, and Eddie O’Flynn’s Restaurants. He was an instructor of Hospitality and Business and mentored interns at Lansing Community College for 30 years. He was a member of the Michigan Restaurant Association from 1983-2003, holding various committee chairs and PAC outings. In 2000, John received the highly regarded Michigan Restaurant Association’s Distinguished Service Award.

He enjoyed the monthly Twofers Club and served as president of both the MSU Rebounders and the Midway Optimists.

For over two decades, John played an important role in the Michigan golf industry. He has been a golf course owner, member and president of the board of directors of the Michigan Golf Course Owners Association and, 11 years ago, joined the Association’s staff as Government Affairs Coordinator. In 1998, he was honored by the industry with the Lyle Leeke Distinguished Service Award. John helped create the Scott Family Educational Support Foundation for the MGCOA and formed and managed the government affairs department for the Association. He had been a mentor for many in the golf business and beyond. John was instrumental in founding Timber Ridge, Hawk Hallow and El Dorado Golf Courses and the Majestic in Hartland, Michigan.

He was the facilitator for two CEO groups which became very important to him.

Many friends refer to him as a gentle giant, and he was also known for his community and charity work. He loved life here in Lansing and at the lake house in Canada. His message to all was “Carpe Diem” (Seize the Day) and he did just that.

A celebration of his life will be held at Eagle Eye Golf Course on Chandler Road in East Lansing on Sunday, March 14, 2010 at 4 p.m. – ties optional!!! In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations can be made to the John Dodge Memorial Endowment Fund for the Greater Lansing Food Bank, in care of the Capital Region Community Foundation, 6035 Executive Drive, Suite 104, Lansing, MI 48911. The family is being served by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, East Lansing. Online condolences may be made at www.gorslineruncimaneastlansing.com

CELEBRATE LIFE

SEIZE THE DAY