Donald Vezina

TRAVERSE CITY — Donald Vezina, 96, longtime resident of Traverse City, passed away Thursday, May 26, 2011, at Rose Gate Assisted Living.Donald was born Aug. 8, 1914, in Benton Harbor, to the late Julius and Effie (Daehn) Vezina. After graduating from St. Francis Catholic High School in the early 1930s, he enlisted in the United States Navy. He was stationed at the Glen View Naval Base as a fire fighter in the Chicago area, and spent some time in New Orleans training young fire fighters. In 1941 he married Marie Helen Moravec, who preceded him in death in 1980. When he returned from service, he began working as a men's clothier at Wilhem's clothing store.Donald was born to serve. Throughout his life, he was a passionate fire fighter and law enforcement officer. Don was the Grand Traverse County Fire Chief from the 1950s to the 1970s. During this time, he also served as a County Patrol Officer and was a dispatcher at the time of his retirement. Everyone recognized "Deputy" Don when he spoke on the airwaves. Don was also a founding member of the Northwestern Michigan Volunteer Firefighters Association.In his spare time, Don enjoyed bowling, cross-country skiing, and spending time at the casino. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed the game well into his 90s.In his younger years, he travelled around northern Michigan with his parents as a member of the Vezina Society Orchestra. He loved to play the guitar and performed at the National Cherry Festival and at WLS Radio in Chicago. In addition, he was a longtime member of the Immaculate Conception Men's Choir. Don also toured his own figure skating troupe.Don is survived by his son, Jim (Jan) Vezina, of Traverse City; daughter, Sue (Pat) Treitz, of Denver, Colo.; grandchildren, Meghan and Brian (Rebecca) Treitz; step-grandchildren, Angela (Neal) Jones and Joshua Stone; great-grandchildren, Lily, Joey, and Clara Treitz; step-great-grandchildren, Chezyrae and Jazlyne Jones; brother-in-law, Richard "Dick" (Barb) Moravec; and niece, Jean (Bob) Ewing and family.Don was preceded in death by his wife; his parents; his brother, Burt; sisters, Margaret Norman and Phyllis Boulle; and grandson, Bryan Beeman.A memorial service celebrating Donald's life will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, June 3, at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. Following the service, a light lunch will be provided at the History Center of Traverse City, and then friends and family are invited to join in procession to Oakwood Cemetery. Members of the Honor Guard from the Cherryland Post #2780 will provide Don with military honors.Memorial contributions may be directed to the Grand Traverse Metro or Rural Fire Department.Please visit www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com to share your thoughts and memories with the family.The family is being served by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home.