John Garry Crellin, 75, of Traverse City, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 30, 2025, at Henry Ford Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.
Born on May 7, 1950, in Essex, England, to the late Raymond and Violet Pearl (Matthews) Crellin, Garry moved with his family to the United States at a young age. At just 15 years old, he met his best friend and soulmate, Donna, beginning a lifelong love story. Garry graduated from Henry Ford High School in Detroit, Michigan, with the class of 1969.
After high school, Garry proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam era, stationed in Anchorage, Alaska. Upon returning from service, he married Donna Jean McKim on May 15, 1971, in Detroit. Together, they raised two wonderful children, Carrie and Scott, with love and devotion.
Garry worked in the manufacturing industry as a production supervisor. He retired early due to a successful lung transplant, a gift that gave him many more cherished years with his family.
An avid fisherman, Garry loved to be out on the water—but more than anything, he loved to talk. He could strike up a conversation with anyone and was genuinely interested in everyone's story. A familiar and beloved face at the Acme Meijer, Garry made friends everywhere he went. People naturally opened up to him, drawn to his warmth and easy nature.
Family meant everything to Garry. For the past 18 years, he and his loved ones gathered each year at a rented house on Intermediate Lake to create unforgettable memories—some of the best times remembered by his wife, children, and grandchildren. Garry will be remembered for his deep love for people, his proudly stubborn English heritage, and his appreciation for a good cup of tea.
Garry is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Donna; his daughter, Carrie (Christopher) Hahn and his son, Scott (Aisha) Crellin, grandchildren Madison, Grace, Zoe, Sophia, Ian, and Collin, his siblings, Diane and Carl Nichols, Kevin Crellin, Jeannette Tuck, Terry & Rick McPhall; As well as many nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Violet Crellin, and his brother-in-law Dennis Tuck.
A time of sharing will be held on Saturday, June 14 at 3:00 PM in the gardens of Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, followed by a visitation to greet the family from 3:00 to 5:00 PM.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Gift of Life https://giftoflifemichigan.org/ . Kindly share your thoughts and memories with his loved ones at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com .