Gordon Clair Gallatin

Gordon Clair Gallatin, 81, of Alanson, died Friday, Sept. 5, 2008, at the MidMichigan Medical Center.

He was born in Spencer, Ohio to the late A. H. and Mildred (Robinson) Gallatin. He married Patricia Ann Bayliss on June 30, 1946, in Wellington, Ohio; recently celebrating their 62nd wedding anniversary. Gordon had resided in the Indian River/Alanson area for the last 48 years before moving to Midland in August of 2007. He owned and operated the Wellington Cash Market in Wellington, Ohio before moving to Michigan, where he worked as a professional meat cutter until his retirement in 1989. Gordon served in the U.S. Army during World War II in the Pacific Theater and was stationed on the island of Saipan earning the rank of staff sargent.

In his early years, he was a founding member of the Wellington Bowhawks Archery Club and the Eightballs, an elite group of archers who traveled the state of Ohio, demonstrating precision archery skills and promoting the sport. Throughout his life, he loved the outdoors and enjoyed hunting, fishing and working on his wooded property in northern Michigan. Gordon particularly loved golfing and the time spent on the course with his golfing partners, Mark and Pat. He also looked forward to the opportunity to renew friendships with attendance at his annual class reunions. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather and loved spending time with his family. Gordon enthusiastically attended his grandson's fastpitch softball games and tournaments as well as his great grandsons' sporting events.

Gordon is survived by his wife, Patricia; daughter and son-in-law, Laura and Mark Freed of Midland; sons and daughters-in-law, Dana and Beverly Gallatin of Rockford and Dorn and Kathy Gallatin of Westland; grandchildren Tina and Jeff Owen and children Zachary, Gabe, and Callie of Byron Center, Nathan Gallatin and son Tyler of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., Andrew Smith in the U.S. Navy, and of Midland, Cary Freed, Seth and Sara Freed and children Chance, Ryan, and Paige, and Pat Bojcun who all held a special place in his heart; his brother-in-laws, Dick Reed of Elyria, Ohio and Michael (Judy) Bayliss of Palmyra, Pa. as well as special friends, Dave and Joann Hampton, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister, Beryl Reed; and brother Wallace Gallatin.

Gordon will be sadly missed by his family and friends, but his determination and courageous spirit will live on. A private family gathering to celebrate Gordon's life will be held at a later date.

Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider the Cancer Services or the Midland Northeast Little League.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Ware-Smith-Woolever Funeral Directors, 1200 W. Wheeler St., Midland. If you are unable to visit with family in person you may send your condolences through www.waresmithwoolever.com.