John W. Baier passed away at the age of 68, surrounded by his loving family and committed healthcare team at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit.

For the last seven years, John courageously battled Pulmonary Fibrosis. After receiving the gift of a lung transplant nearly two years ago, he valiantly lived each day. He conquered endless obstacles. John was a champ, a victor.

Throughout his career John worked hard and made many friends along the way. His happiest moments were on the water sailing with family and friends. He joyfully encouraged others to raise the mainsail and take the helm on West Grand Traverse Bay. It did not matter whether it was Wednesday night racing, he was always racing, fine tuning his love of competitive sailing, and igniting that same passion in others. John also spent life enjoying the game of golf, fine food, top shelf scotch and the love of music. We believe he is now enjoying all of those things and more.

John will be missed endlessly by his ever-loving wife, Kathy (Boudjalis) Baier (the love of his life), proud and loving children, Kendra (Jeff) Budill, Adam Baier, Holly (Derek) Skaletsky, six wonderful grandchildren, Caleb, Grace, Ian, Hope, Declan, and Chloe: three sisters, Barb (Peter), Pat (Cash) Kate (Chris) and two brothers, Mike (Sharon) and Tom (Kay). He was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Maxine Baier, brother Teddy, and sister Mackey.

Gifts of love and remembrance can be sent to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation at www.pulmonaryfibrosis.org and Traverse Area Community Sailing Youth Program at www.tacsailing.org .

Mainsail up. Jib out. And forever, Go Blue!