Gerald C. Eaton

Age 79, passed away on May 17, 2012. He was born on May 12, 1934, the son of Joseph and Lucille (Rice) Eaton. Gerry grew up in the Saline and Milan areas. He attended Saline schools and graduated with the class of 1953. Gerry went on to further his education in the automotive industry and became an ASE certified master mechanic for 40 plus years owning and operating numerous businesses in Ann Arbor such as South Main Amoco and North Main Standard. Before leaving the automotive industry, he went to work for his good friends Chuck and Jim Wolfe in Ann Arbor. After “retiring”, he went on to work part-time at Dextec in Dexter and Xela Pack in Bridgewater and finally Schilke Security in Saline. On December 6, 1985, he married Patricia (Larivee) Eaton in Milan, Michigan, and she survives. Gerry was a very diverse, knowledgeable, fun and friendly man. He was a man of few words but when he spoke, all listened. He was loved by all and will be missed by many. Over the years, he had many friends and touched many lives in so many ways, leaving a memory along the way, from fixing a car, to shooting pool, to playing a game of cards, or just in general, his famous last words, “bull shittin” with others. He love to sit and tell his grandkids stories from the years past of all the fun he use to have always with his famous smile and that twinkle in his eye. His grandsons so admired him and his unending knowledge of automotive and so many other things. He taught some of them things they will remember always, even things he shouldn’t have, but no “bull” about it, he gave them all something weather it be a memory, a name or a smile, he gave them love. He enjoyed watching Robyn get “rough” on the soccer field and he always elbow jabbed you when she made the winning goal or the winning hoop at basketball. They were all his shining stars. His sense of humor continued 22 years later when his first great-granddaughter Hope was born, yet not old enough to speak, he was teaching her the same naughty word as he did her daddy, she said it for him with a smile, he smiled his final smile, her “Great Gampa Gerry”. Gerry was a life long member of the Loyal Order of the Moose Lodge (Milan and Ann Arbor), serving as interim Governor for 3 years. He was also a 30-year member of the Michigan Master Mechanic Association and a 35-year AAA member. In his younger years, he enjoyed hunting, shooting pool, wrenching, playing poker and euchre, traveling, and going to casinos. In addition to his wife, Gerry is survived by daughters Becky Busha, Bridgewater, Deanna Larivee, Saline, grandchildren, Adam (Angie) Busha, Saline, Justin Larivee, VA, Robyn Busha, Saline, Grant (Jessica) DAgostino, Charlotte, Patrick Larivee, VA, and Colin Gerald DAgostino, Ohio. Also surviving are great-granddaughters, Hope DAgostino and Addison Busha, one brother, his favorite nephew Roger, one granddaughter Julie, along with other family and friends. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, his daughter Carolyn, his aunt Helen and uncle Ozzie, son-in-law Gary Busha and son Douglas Larivee. A loving husband, father, dad, grandpa,” bull”, papa, great-grandpa, friend, a man of many titles, a man of few words, a man who touched so many lives, a man who is gone but never forgotten, simply stated, “a man, Forever loved”. A private family memorial service has taken place. Inurnment was held at Oakwood Cemetery in Saline. To leave a memory or for more information please visit www.rbfhsaline.com.

Tributes

Gerald C. Eaton

May 12, 1934 - May 17, 2012