John Frederick

John was born in Birmingham, Michigan on May 7th, 1935 to Gregory and Francis Frederick. He was a great athlete and played football, ice hockey when the pond was frozen and golf when the sun was out. He was the first graduating class of Seaholm High School and soon after joined The United States Marines. John served after The Korean War and was a true patriot his whole life. After serving his country, John received his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Michigan. Upon graduating, he worked for Ford Motor Company then Booz Allen Hamilton as a consultant. John went on to found his own company in automotive sales to great success. He was always a true believer in Detroit, its sports teams and its people. When the athletes of his Alma Mater, University of Michigan, were playing, all who knew John, knew to dim the lights and deaden the hum. Go Blue or Go Home. Maize and Blue brought him much joy.

Affectionately known to his friends as “Farr,” John was an outdoorsman through and through. John’s sailboat, “The Streaker”, sailed more than 20 Mackinaw races and was filled with the best of friends, all claiming to be the captain. Bayview hummers and salutes on The St Clair River brought on a self title of “the Sailing Elite.”

As “The Sailing Elite” hung their retirement flag, they moved to the grasslands of southern Ontario to duck hunt . “Farr” was the co-founder of “The Big Shooters” and “The Lame Duck” clubs on Walpole Island, Canada. Endless hours of early morning shoots, stunning grasslands, and pontificating were what John considered pure happiness. Harsen’s Island was his home for most of his late adult life. This brought big river views, long jutting docks, ferry rides and $20 bill enticements if his daughter Kate could whack a freighter with a tennis ball. Harsen’s Island was the gathering place for John and his daughter Kate’s friends for years.

Farr was a man of many nicknames but his favorite by far was Grumps. Grumps’ most famous move was “pull my finger.” His three grandchildren would scramble, dive, and leap for that finger. He never once referred to them by their given name, Jack was Bruce, Scout was McGee and Wells was Ganaba Bird. His daughter Kate was always Skeedie-did. Grumps leaves behind his daughter Kate Frederick Webber and son in-law Stephen Webber of Haddonfield, NJ. His wonderful friend and ex, Cecile Frederick. His greatest joy, his grandchildren, Jack, Scout, and Wells Webber. He has joined his parents, his brother, Greg Frederick, his sister, Liz Rassel, and his son, Greg Frederick.

“John Farr was a lifelong friend of many, a true outdoorsman, a dad of all dads, a legendary grandfather, a lover of Detroit. “

Grumps Farr was loved by many. It would be remiss not to share his favorite sentiment:

“Nulle Basardo Carborundae” - Don’t let the bastards get you down.

Sail on Farr…...