John Corlin

1956 - 2019

John Corlin obituary, 1956-2019, Grand Rapids, MI

BORN

1956

DIED

2019

FUNERAL HOME

Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes

1833 Plainfield Ave NE

Grand Rapids, Michigan

John Corlin Obituary

Corlin, John 8/19/1956 - 8/10/2019 Grand Rapids John David Corlin was born August 19, 1956 and passed away at his home over the weekend of natural causes. It was sudden and unexpected, probably exactly the way he would have wanted to go. He was preceded in death by his parents Miriam and Arvid Corlin, and his grandmother, Ella Beckwith. He is survived by his sister Mary Corlin (Manon Bourgeois), many cousins, notably Marsha (Harkes) Haring, and their children. He will be missed terribly by his family, and his many dedicated baseball and trivia buddies, and numerous other friends. John was a collector of music in many forms: vinyl, cassette tapes, CD's, and accumulated stories to accompany his collection. His knowledge of writers and artists, and the influences upon them and by them, was incredible. His tastes were eclectic with emphasis on blues and folk. His knowledge of music, movies, sports, and a wide array of general information made him an MVP at local and state trivia competitions. He will be sadly missed by his teams the Reptiles and the Rat Pack. Each summer John would get season tickets for his beloved Whitecaps. It was rare for him to ever miss a game. Not only did he enjoy the game, he knew its nuances, had a vast knowledge of the game and its players, locally and throughout the league. He was also a fan simultaneously of the Tigers and the Cubs. Each winter he spent a week in Florida with his sister where he would attend spring training games in Jupiter and Port St Lucie. He was a dedicated employee, recently retired from Embroidery House in Jenison where he was a long-time screen printer. If you are wearing a T-shirt with a local promotional screened design you may be wearing his work. Most importantly, agreed upon by all who knew him, he was the kindest and gentlest soul you could ever hope to meet. Never an unkind word for or about anyone. His mother passed away when he had just graduated from high school. He stayed with his father and became his care giver over the years. The two shared their love of baseball and cribbage, and were known to speak often in Swedish. [Jag alskar dig, min lillebror. Du var alltid sa snall.] A celebration of John's life will be held on Tuesday, August 20, 2019 from 3-5 PM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home Van Strien Creston Chapel, 1833 Plainfield Ave NE where a public time of sharing will begin at 4 PM. To share a memory or photo, or to sign his guestbook, visit www.heritagelifestory.com

Published by Grand Rapids Press from Aug. 14 to Aug. 20, 2019.
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John was a good friend dating back to elementary school. We were as close through out High School, he was in my wedding, and I bought my first home just down the street on Hollywood NE. I will always remember him as a close friend. RIP Johnny.
Love You,
Robert G Johnson, MA, LPC, NCC, CAADC

Robert Johnson

Friend

February 3, 2023

Just one month ago...You are very much missed, John. Tears come for all the things we will never share again, and yet there were so many good times to remember. You were the best brother. So kind, funny, smart. Always appreciative of the smallest things. You gave of yourself, always willing to lend a hand to someone in need, even a roof over the head of several friends who needed a home.
I will miss your Florida visits with trips to the ball parks, to Hollywood Beach and Miami's South Beach where people watching was at its best. The pier, a boat ride, snorkeling, always good times. You will always be in my mind as I revisit those places. Jag Elskar dig. (I love you.)
Your sister,

Mary Corlin

September 10, 2019

The last one is mine. I forgot to sign it.

Ted Lascari

August 21, 2019

Thank God,for Johnny Corlin, My other little Brother. Peace be to Mary and the family. I will always remember the Love from Arvid and Miriam. I am Blessed to know the Corlin family. See you JD!

August 20, 2019

Brian Waring

August 20, 2019

Thank you for Sharing. This is a great tribute to John and his life. I have always considered John a good friend almost from the time we met. This man was a treasure, always loving trivia and seeing his friends. His knowledge of trivia was very impressive. I will really miss John's smiling face. R.I.P JOHN CORLIN. YOU WILL BE MISSED. Hugs and prayers to his sister Mary Corlin and family.

Bill and Susan Minch

August 20, 2019

I met Johnny (that's what Ted called him to me anyway) 2 times, maybe three. A funeral, a milestone birthday party one of I was there for. Johnny was the last to arrive at the party that was winding down. What a nice, loving, warm welcomed surprise to us and those that were still there. Saving the best for last. ;) I got to know more about him in 1 night about his past, trip down memory lane, and present, his transformation in life. He was a charasmatic guy I got the privilege of knowing.
Love,
Maggie

Take 2 (in case it didn't go through the 1st time).

Maggie Lascari

August 20, 2019

I met Johnny 2 times I think but maybe 3. A funeral and a birthday party for sure. Ted called him Johnny (to me anyway). Johnny showed up for Ted's milestone birthday, one I was there for. He was the last to arrive when the party was winding down. Saving the best for last. ;) Not knowing he was coming was a welcomed and warm, loving surprise and a great reunion for him,Ted, me, and those that were still there. The first time I got to know more about him, past and present in one night! What a journey he endured and trip down memory lane, and the transformation in his life. Glad I got the privilege to get a glimpse of a charasmatic guy, Johnny, John, etc... Love, Maggie

Maggie Lascari

August 20, 2019

August 19, 2019

John was an unforgettable part of my life growing up. So many good times to remember. Very sorry to hear that he has passed on. I will miss his smile and that unique sense of humor and laugh. Blessings Brother.

Ted Lascari

August 19, 2019

I have lost touch with John over the years but will always remember his kind old old soul. Seemed to take a lot to get under his skin and and make him mad. He was always mr. Calm. We worked at the coffee ranch together but that was not his love. He loved people. Saying Hi and chatting. One of those friends that if my car broke down and I had it seem him in 20 years he would still drop what he was doing to help me out. My life is better for having you in mine john. Love you Brother.

Tom Van't hof

August 19, 2019

Very saddened by this news. In recent years I only John at the occasional Caps game, but I always admired and will miss his laid back style.

David Owczarzak

Neighbor

August 19, 2019

August 16, 2019

I knew John from baseball. Although I was a Lansing Lugnuts fan everytime I would see him he would invite me to sit with him and his friends to cheer on the team. John was always so nice to me and the world is a little less light without him here. RIP John...maybe somehow you will let us know what it is like on the other side of the corn field.

Robin Sackevich

August 16, 2019

I live across the street from John and am very sorry to learn of his passing. While I didn't know him very well, he always made a point to say hello. He even rushed over to help me with a flat tire once. My deepest sympathies to his friends and family.

Kelly Queen

August 15, 2019

Although we have not been to trivia in quite a while, when we did we always enjoyed the friendly competition we had with you. There was always a smile on your face. May you rest in peace. Your friends and family are in our thoughts and prayers. The UnderAchievers (Cheers Trivia Wed Night)

Under Achievers

August 15, 2019

To my oldest friend, I will miss you. RIP

Scott Hauck

August 15, 2019

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Memorial Events
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Aug

20

Celebration of Life

3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes

1833 Plainfield Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505

Aug

20

Service

4:00 p.m.

Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes

1833 Plainfield Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505

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Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes

1833 Plainfield Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505

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