Donald N. Savage

Donald N. Savage, a long time resident of Grosse Pointe Woods, died peacefully Monday, October 30, 2017 with his family at his side. He was 88. Don was born in Detroit to Herbert and Gertrude (Haase) Savage, and was a 1947 graduate of Grosse Pointe High. After attending Eastern Michigan University, he served in the Army, spending time on active duty in Korea. He married Betty Keller, whom he met at Eastern in 1955. Betty predeceased Don in 2012. Don is survived by his two sons, Leigh and Barry (Heidi), both of Grosse Pointe Woods, MI, as well as his grandchildren, Andrea of Ione, WA, Brady, of Grosse Pointe Park, MI and Adam, of Grosse Pointe Woods, MI. Don is also survived by his nieces, Kim Keller, Kit Keller, nephew, Kurt Keller and his brother Buds children, Karen Grime, Barbara Johnson and Dale Savage. Don and Betty lived in St. Clair Shores before returning to Grosse Pointe Woods where they raised their family. Don founded Savage Building Company, and enjoyed a successful career in residential and commercial construction. They joined the Grosse Pointe Yacht Club in 1969, and spent a great deal of time fishing and otherwise enjoying the Great Lakes. They could be found on one of their boats even at the age of eighty. Favorite spots included Georgian Bay and the North Channel and fishing for salmon and walleye on Lakes St. Clair, Huron and Erie with family and Dons lifelong best friend, Dick Wuerker. Don and Betty were avid skiers and chaired the GPYCs annual ski weekends at Boyne Mountain, where they owned and enjoyed a condominium into their 80s. A lifelong hunter of upland birds and deer, Don and Betty retired to Bad Axe in 1995, where they built their retirement home on over 100 acres of woods filled with their beloved wildlife. The Detroit Free Press featured Don in an article highlighting his ability to have a grouse, fondly named Phoebe, to eat out of his hand. Phoebe was the only grouse Don wouldnt hunt, which was lucky for her as he was an excellent shot. His long life at home in the woods would not have been possible without a loving team of caregivers, to whom the family is extremely grateful. Interment will be in the family plot at Franklin Cemetery with a private memorial service. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be sent in his name to the Grosse Pointe Woods Presbyterian Church.

Funeral Home:

A. H. Peters Funeral Home of Grosse Pointe

20705 Mack Avenue

Grosse Pointe Woods, MI

US 48236

Service:

A. H. Peters Funeral Home of Grosse Pointe

20705 Mack Avenue

Grosse Pointe Woods, MI

US 48236

Visitation:

A. H. Peters Funeral Home of Grosse Pointe

20705 Mack Avenue

Grosse Pointe Woods, MI

US 48236