Vincent Blaise Szymanski

Vincent Blaise Szymanski, 58, passed away peacefully Saturday, December 19, 2015 Vincent was born on September 1, 1957 to Geraldine (Celmer) and Edward Adam Szymanski on Detroit’s east side. Vince graduated from Grosse Pointe North High School in 1975, and from Western Michigan University in 1979 with his Bachelor of Science Degree. Vince was a petroleum geologist who formerly worked for West Bay Exploration followed by many years of independent consulting. Vince was a competitive tennis player who also coached boys and girls tennis at TC West High School. Traveling was a pleasure for him, especially when he went with his friends and children. He enjoyed Hawaii, Paris, St. Lucia and Costa Rica, but his favorite place was the American West where he found the rock formations and canyons awe inspiring. He enjoyed cross country skiing, hiking, boating, swimming, and mountain biking. Frequently having his bike in the car, he would stop on road trips to take a quick ride on a local trail. His many other interests included playing cards, the Detroit Red Wings, music, good food, reading, and watching sunsets over the lake. He shared all of these with his family and the devoted and wonderful friends who filled his life with joy. An avid do it yourself-er, he bought an older home on Little Traverse Lake and rebuilt it into a beautiful residence. He generously shared his time and talents with others. Vincent’s greatest gifts were the many experiences he planned and shared with his friends and family, leaving all of us with wonderful memories. Vince is survived by his mother, Geraldine Szymanski of Roseville; his children, Edward (Tricia) of Spring Lake, Stephen (Anne) of Swisher, IA, and Sarah Szymanski and her husband Ben Neiditz of Philadelphia, PA. Also surviving are his beloved grandchildren, Aria, Lauren, Shoney, Skye, and Samuel; his sisters, Marie (John) Cooper of Roseville, Monica (Ken) Parada of Harbor Springs, Laura (Frank) Piwowar of Roseville, and his nieces and nephew, Rachel, Adam, and Annie Parada. Vince is survived as well by his children's mother, Christine (Tom) Ford, of Traverse City. He was preceded in death by his father, Edward, on March 24, 1974. A service celebrating Vince's life will take place at 2 pm. Monday, December 28 at the Leland Old Art Building. (Leelanau Community Cultural Center) 111 N. Main St., Leland. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Leelanau Conservancy, P. O. Box 1007, Leland, MI 49654 or online at www.leelanauconservancy.org/donate.

Vincent Blaise Szymanski

September 1, 1957 - December 19, 2015