Jordan Byron

TRAVERSE CITY — Jordan Bruce Byron passed peacefully Friday, Oct. 8, 2010, at the age of 81. His optimism and enthusiasm for life was a gift to all those who knew him. Born in Saginaw to Arminda Rae (Ault) and Clarence Carl Byron, he was one of eight children. He graduated from Arthur Hill High School in 1947 and attended Bay City Junior College. As a member of the Michigan National Guard he served for 20 years as the Captain of B Company of Saginaw. In 1952 he married Janet L. Waggoner and had three children, Julia Rae, of Canton, Jennifer Kae, of Grand Rapids, and Jordan Scott, of Grand Rapids. Janet and Jordan shared their lives in Saginaw for 36 years. He joined Kirchman Brothers Co. of Bay City in November 1955 and had a lifelong career contributing to the growth and success of the firm. Beginning in sales he moved to commercial kitchen design and installation and became president and CEO before retiring in 1993. He met Nancy (Kaunitz Pangborn) Rogers in 1989, fell in love and they were married in 1992. They moved to Traverse City. where he managed B&R Supply, the northern branch of Kirchman Brothers Co., and fulfilled a lifelong dream to live near the beach. Together they led a full, joyful and active life appreciating the opportunities and gifts of living in northern Michigan. Jordan gave tirelessly to many organizations. He was an active member of First Presbyterian Church in Saginaw for 30 years serving in many leadership roles. He dedicated many years to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Bay City and Traverse City. He was a member of the Traverse City Newcomers Club, the Traverse City Optimist Club and the First Presbyterian Church of Traverse City.Jordan was an avid skier throughout his life and developed a passion for golf when he moved to Traverse City. He loved dancing, sailing, good food, cold beer and a hearty laugh. He was preceded into death by his parents; brother Thomas Byron; and four sisters, Hazel Byron, Ruth (Byron) Pink, Jean (Byron) Kruger and Marjorie (Byron) Kruske. He is survived by two brothers, Robert Byron, of Traverse City, and John Byron, of Midland, and many loving nieces and nephews, including Jill Byron, of Traverse City; his children Julia, Jennifer and Jordan; and granddaughter, Hope Elyse Byron, of Grand Rapids, as well as his loving wife, Nancy Elizabeth; four stepchildren, David Pangborn, of Saline, Amy McCullough, Eric Pangborn, of Murfreesboro, Tenn., and Matthew Pangborn of DesPlains, Ill.; and five stepgrandchildren: Joy Pangborn, Michael Pangborn, Shannon Bauer, Isabella Pangborn and Zachariah Pangborn.In celebration of his full and complete life, a Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 14, at The Presbyterian Church of Traverse City. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that gifts be made In memory of Jordan B. Byron to the Munson Hospice House, 450 Brook St., Traverse City, MI 49684 or The Presbyterian Church of Traverse City or a charity of your choice. Please share thoughts with the family at Jordan's online guest book at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.The family is being served by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Jordan Byron

October 8, 2010