CHAVEY, Roland “Ron” – age 84, of Gaylord, MI died January 20, 2016. Ron died peacefully after a prolonged struggle with dementia shortly after celebrating his 84th birthday with many family members. He was born in Detroit on December 18, 1931, the son of Clyde and Ethel (Larkins) Chavey. He was educated at Georgia Military Academy in Atlanta, GA then received his engineering degree from General Motors Institute in Flint, MI in 1952. After more than 30 years working for General Motors in Flint, he “retired” to a second career of volunteerism in Gaylord, MI. Among several other activities, he was active with Rotary, having been the chapter president. He served on the Otsego County Board of Commissioners, helped start a homeless shelter, directed the Otsego Ski Patrol and the local Salvation Army office. He served the National Ski Patrol (as well as other organizations) for over 50 years and was honored as the national ski patroller of the year by the National Ski Patrol. In 1998 he was named “Buergermeister” (honorary mayor) of Gaylord. Additional community organizations Ron has served as an officer or board member include: United Way, Big Brothers, Salvation Army, Mid-Michigan Goodwill, Old Newsboys, Otsego Community Foundation, Rotary Club, Northern Michigan Region National Ski Patrol, Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, Friendship Shelter, and Otsego County Chamber of Commerce. Ron has actively served these and other organizations throughout his life and received many awards from these organizations including the American Red Cross’s top volunteer and the E.S. “Pat” Patterson Award for volunteerism. Ron was married for over 20 years to Eunice (Chew). They had 6 children, June (Paul) Wiekierak, Russell (Christina Winder), Darrah (Peggy Weisensel), Kevin, Karen (Terry) Anway, and Katherine (James) Doyle. Ron was married to Carol (Krumbach) (Workman) (Freed) for 35 years, helping raise her three sons Scot (Tammy), William (Melissa) and Theodore (Tricia). After Carol’s death he was married to Judy (Daniels) (Kennicott). When he could no longer live independently, he moved to Aspen Ridge in Gaylord, then later to Clare Bridge of Grand Blanc, MI. In his later years, in addition to his many volunteer activities, he was devoted to his 5 children, 3 stepsons,16 (living) grandchildren: Elizabeth (Chavey) Crane, Sarah Winder-Chavey, Anna Winder-Chavey, Rhiannon (Chavey) Rudisill, James Chavey, Amanda Anway, Jeremiah Anway, Courtney (Doyle) Fisher, Addison Doyle, Michael Workman, Shana Workman, William Krumbach, Paige Krumbach, Gage Krumbach, Jack Krumbach, and Ben Krumbach, 10 Great-grandchildren: Jason Crane, Evelyn Rudisill, Ethan Rudisill, Hayley Anway, Olivia Anway, Julian Anway, Michael Workman (Jr.), Arriana Workman, Brently Runyon, and Toby Runyon. He was predeceased by his daughter June, her daughter Tracy Wiekierak, and his wife Carol. Ron will be remembered and missed by many.There will be a Memorial Service to celebrate Ron’s life on Saturday, April 16, 2016 at Hill Funeral Home, 11723 S. Saginaw St. Grand Blanc, MI 49439. Visitation from 10:00 A.M. to Noon followed by the service and then a luncheon.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Ron Chavey Friendship Fund at the Otsego County Community Foundation (http://www.otsegofoundation.org). Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.hillfh.com. Arrangements provided by Hill Funeral Home – 11723 S. Saginaw St. Grand Blanc, MI.
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