Today it is the shades of grey that determine the day on the Grand Traverse Bay. Joseph Leo Panyard Sr. passed away March 1st 2019. Joe is survived by his wife Deidre Ann Jones Panyard. daughters; Tinamarie Panyard (Eric Probst), Penelope (Scott Maleski), son Joseph Leo Jr. (Diana Panyard) grandchildren; Kristopher Alspaugh, Kayla Panyard, Keegan Maleski, Logan Maleski, Lottie Probst, great grandchildren; Tristyn Alspaugh, Hayden Hartzler, Hartleigh Elifritz. Awaiting him in heaven to go fishing and have a picnic in the dunes are his parents George and Lolita Panyard brothers George and Francis, sister Harriet Herr, grandson Kyle Alspaugh and the many friends he's loved who have went to heaven before him over the years.

He journeyed through life to the beat of his own drum while talking on his ham radio. He was an adventurous young man hitchhiking to Seattle to see the world's fair, joining the Navy to proudly serve his country. He married his sweetheart, they built a home for their young family with their very own hands. Together they raised their three children with fierce passion. He was a dedicated son, brother, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle and friend. Joe loved sailing, cross country skiing, swimming, picnics on the beach and taking adventures with the love of his life Dee. His greatest joy was his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was known to his neighbors as Hello Joe, Mr. Joe, the fun neighbor who always had a smile a conversation, a cookie, a beer or a cigar depending on your age and preference. These past years you could find Joe sitting at the fire pit in his backyard chatting with friends, talking on his ham radio or working in his picture framing shop. For many years K8DT would welcome the morning on his ham radio to all of his friends: "It's a Great Day Today on the Grand Traverse Bay".

Today it is with tears in our eyes, love in our hearts, and memories we share, that determine our way as we say goodbye to Joseph Leo Panyard.

This summer the Panyard family will host a celebration of his life fish fry on the weekend of his favorite holiday, Fourth of July.

For anyone who would like to send a memorial Joe loved the amazing parks and lakes of his home state Michigan. His favorite organizations were Inland Seas https://schoolship.org/
and Herman Community Park in Suttons Bay. http://www.suttonsbayparks.org/herman_community_park.php

Please feel free to share your thoughts and memories with Joe'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.