It's quite a year.

My father has passed away.  Below is his obituary, with a link to it as well.  God speed dad. 

John Van Dyke, Husband, Father, Environmental Engineer, Horse Farm Manager, Scout Leader, Tree Farmer and US Air Force Airman, passed away on 10 May, 2025. He was 84. He was born in Detroit Michigan on 15 November 1940. 

 

John was predeceased by his parents, John and Helen also his sister Barbara.

 

John is survived by his wife of 64 years Jean ("Squeek"), his sister Norma and his two sons, John ("Ric") his significate other Rachel,  Michael ("Myke") and his wife Chris.  Also, four grandchildren Andrea, Tom, Elizabeth and Maria.  

 

John and Squeek met in college, and were married on 13 June 1961.  Both their sons were born in South Carolina while John was serving in the US Air Force as a C-130 Mechanic.  He completed his service with the Air Force in the fall of 1965 as an Airman 1st Class (in today’s rank structure, a Senior Airman).

 

John and Squeek ran the Nature's Last Stand horse and tree farm in Salem Township Michigan from the 1970s through 2000, providing horseback riding lessons, summer day camps, and horse shows to hundreds of riders young and old.  The farm was well known for Dressage and 2-day Events featuring Dressage, Cross Country and Stadium jumping.   The farm had approximately 50 horses and ponies at its peak. 

 

John worked as an environmental engineer at Ford Motor Company for 30 years, ensuring as he liked to put it that Ford's factories didn't pollute "too much".  His interest in caring for the environment was a prime motivation in his life, he was active in the Michigan Forest Association where he served as president and other roles. 

 

John was an active supporter of the Boy Scout Troop "P-6" (Detroit Area Council troop 1536) while his sons were members during the 1970s and 1980s.  The troop often camped at the farm; he was also a Scoutmaster.

 

In lieu of flowers, his sons ask that you plant a tree in memory of their father.  A memorial luncheon is being planned for later in 2025. 

https://detroitcremationsociety.com/obituary/john-van-dyke/