John G. Cartwright

John Cartwright had a congenial spirit, patient heart and quick wit and will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. John Gilbert Cartwright, age 85, passed away on Tuesday, May 15, 2018 at his home on Long Lake. He was born on November 28, 1932 in Traverse City, Michigan, and although he lived in and traveled to many places, his journey ended close to where it began – at Gilbert Trail, Long Lake. He is survived by his wife of one month shy of 59 years, Clarice Jane “C. J.” Thorson Cartwright; four children: Heather Cartwright of Washington, DC; Heidi Cartwright Thompson of Traverse City, MI; Timothy Cartwright of Naples, FL (Amy); and Theodor Cartwright of Charlottesville, VA (Jill); six granddaughters (Holly, Abigail, Hope, Mackenzie, Lydia and Morgan) and one grandson (Corbin). He was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar Henry and Grace Louise Gilbert Cartwright, sister Jean Cartwright Roos and brother, James Cartwright. John grew up in Ann Arbor, Michigan and graduated from Ann Arbor High School in 1951. He went on to Michigan State University (MSU), receiving an undergraduate degree in Business Administration in 1955, followed by a Master’s Degree in Public Administration (MPA) from the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor. In 1959, he started as an assistant city manager in Muskegon, Michigan. Next he advanced to Riverside, Illinois as Village Manager. Always focused on community service, John served as city manager in several municipalities including Ypsilanti, Michigan; Pompano Beach, Florida; and DeKalb, Illinois. Forty years later his last city was Manassas, Virginia, rated at one time as the fastest growing city in Virginia, where he was the City Manager for 14 years. After retirement, Northern Michigan called to John, and he and C. J. built a beautiful lake house on Long Lake which will be enjoyed by his family for years to come. John, who was always willing to lend a helping hand, volunteered as President of the Long Lake Association and served as the volunteer coordinator at Interlochen Center for the Arts. As a direct descendant of Parmius C. Gilbert, an early Circuit Judge for Grand Traverse County, John was in a position to work with the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy to secure a conservation easement to preserve the natural beauty of nearby Cedar Lake. John had a zest for life and will be remembered by those who loved him for what he loved the most. He was a faithful husband, father, and grandfather who spent many hours teaching his children and grandchildren to play board and card games, water ski and sail, ride a bike and hit the tennis ball. He loved everything about the bountiful Traverse City area: cherries from Old Mission Peninsula, raspberries and sweet corn from local farms, fishing and water skiing on Long Lake, and hikes up and down the sand dunes at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park. His beloved Michigan Wolverines were a lifelong passion, and he was active in local churches in every place he lived. Another lifelong passion was sports, from football, baseball and basketball in his youth to tennis, racquetball and golf as an adult. And did we mention cherries? All these he loved and not necessarily in that order! A memorial service will be held at First Congregational Church of Traverse City, Michigan on Saturday, July 7, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. The family will be there at 1:00 pm to greet relatives and friends. Memorial donations can be made in lieu of flowers to the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy designated for the Timbers Recreation Area or the Pastor’s Fund at the First Congregational Church. Please feel free to share your thoughts and memories with John’s family at his tribute page at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com. The family is being cared for by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

John G. Cartwright

November 28, 1932 - May 15, 2018