Chet John Hepinstall

Chet J. Hepinstall, born on May 12, 1955, passed away on August 22, 2012. Chet had a playful and adventurous outlook towards life, an attitude that he was fortunate enough to retain right up until the time of his death. He fought his cancer courageously right up to the very end and will now take his last adventure in the company of his Lord and Savior.

Chet is survived by his loving wife and soulmate, Elizabeth, who is blessed that God brought them together for 14 wonderful years and they were able to share many wondrous adventures together; loving mother, Betty Ann; Marine Corps heroes; brothers Rolly (Terri) and Greg (Catherine); brother Rod (Gail); sisters Terry (Dan) Greig and Cindy Martin Predeceased by his biggest hero and Marine Raider father, Rolly, who he will join along with loving sisters Margo and Peggy, father-in-law Jack Wiita and brother-in-law Mike Wiita in their heavenly mansion, with no taxes, no mortgage and all utilities paid for eternity. Dearly missed by sons Dennis and Chance; Spencer (Lindsay) Poe; daughters Tosha (Merritt) Poe and Audrey Poe (Brad); grandchildren C.J., Teddy and Roam. Also survived by mother-in-law June Wiita, sister-in-law Judy (Elliott) Dworkin and brothers-in-law Gino Santia and Richard (Debbie) Wiita and a host of loving cousins, nieces and nephews.

In addition to his 33 years as a Facilities Technician at the Highland Lakes Campus of Oakland Community College, Chet was also a very active member of Lakes Area Christian Life Center. It was here he met and became best friends with his dear Pastor, Marvin Arnold Jr. There he was known to selfishly give of his time by utilizing his skills as the ultimate handyman. He also served as a mentor to both young and old by treating all people with kindness, dignity and respect. Despite his declining health, he still managed to make his wife coffee every morning. A very special thank you to caregivers Cindy and Tosha, Dr. Michael Volk and his awesome nurses at the University of Michigan Liver Tumor Clinic, loving nephew Dr. Danny Greig, our OCC family who brought us food, love and laughter and the whole team at Season's Hospice for their special care.

Although born in Midland, Michigan, Chet enjoyed his childhood in Keego Harbor and realized his dream to relocate back to Keego five years ago. His favorite memories included attending the old Keego Theatre, where oftentimes his older sisters would carry him in like a baby so they could use his admission money for candy.

Chet was adamant that people use the occasion of his passing to remember and celebrate his life. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Chet's name to Lakes Area Christian Center, 2091 Cass Lake Rd., Keego Harbor. He requested that those who remember and care about him share both a special memory and a non-alcoholic drink in his honor, preferably grape gatorade. A special good-bye to his best buddies of Thursday night "Boys Night Out".

The funeral service will be at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 26, 2012 at Lakes Area Christian Life Center, 2091 Cass Lake Rd., Keego Harbor. Visitation will be on Saturday from 2-4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at the Pixley Funeral Home, Godhardt-Tomlinson Chapel, Keego Harbor. Natural burial will be in September at All Saints Cemetery in The Preserve. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Lakes Area Christian Life Center. Please visit www.godhardttomlinsonchapel.com