George Eyde
Okemos - George Francis Eyde was born April 28, 1935 in Lansing to his beloved parents Sam and Eva. Surrounded by his loving family, George died of heart failure Saturday, December 2nd, at the age of 82.
George and his brothers learned the value of hard work at a young age, helping their father with his produce garden and selling chickens to their neighbors, going block to block through neighborhoods every Saturday. Their rewards included the chance to drive the family car, and their mother's roasted chicken when they got home. The brothers quickly developed the sales experience and fearlessness that carried them throughout their lives.
George worked hard from an early age - polishing bumpers with his father at Oldsmobile/Fisher Body while he was in high school; stocking shelves; constructing roads and other infrastructure; bussing tables at the MSU Union and Kellogg Center; and working at Cowles House, where he developed a deep and personal friendship with Dr. John Hannah. He was a lifelong fan of MSU and played football under Duffy Daugherty.
George studied Urban Planning and Residential Construction while attending MSU. His education coupled with his work experience and his mother's entrepreneurial spirit sparked his passion for land development. In fact, at the age of 19, George bought his first piece of land for $9,000 with his mother's encouragement and support. It was his first foray into real estate.
After serving in the Army National Guard, George and his brother Louis joined forces in 1958 to establish what is now the Eyde Company. Their first major project together was Sleepy Hollow subdivision in Meridian Township, followed by Eydeal Villa and Burcham Woods. The first house the brothers ever built was their family home on Saginaw near Patriarch Park in East Lansing.
George was a man of great faith who actively participated in the Newman Club while in college and attended mass daily at St. Johns Catholic Church near campus, where he met his beloved wife MaryAnn Christensen. George and MaryAnn spent many evenings driving to downtown Lansing where they would stroll the grounds of the Capitol and dine at the Gas Buggy Room at the Jack Tar Hotel. They would frequently stop to talk near the fountain near the Capitol Building not far from where the family business is currently headquartered at the Knapps Center. They were drawn together by their commonality of faith and values and their desire for a large family and many children. Their bond was cemented through their mutual deep love of their children to whom they devoted their lives. They married on December 20, 1969; George died just shy of their 48th anniversary.
George is survived by his loving wife MaryAnn Christensen Eyde, his six children - Evemarie, George Matthew (fiancée Melissa Morelli), Sarah, Nathaniel (Jessica), Nancy and Nicholas (Gaia) - and his six grandchildren - Asa, Jane, Christensen, Evan, George and Mary Ann. In addition, George is survived by his brother and partner Lou (Marty), his sisters Kay Palinski and Mary Ann Daly, and his brothers Mike and Sam (Judy). His beloved younger brother Pat preceded him in death in 1992.
Visitation will be Tuesday, December 5th from 5:00 - 8:00 PM, followed by the Rosary at St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in East Lansing. Funeral services will be Wednesday, December 6th at 11:00 AM with visitation at 10:00 AM at St. Thomas. Memorial contributions may be made in George's honor to his three favorite charities: Tri-County Office on Aging, Greater Lansing Food Bank and St. Vincent Catholic Charities.
The family is being served by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, East Chapel. Online condolences may be expressed at www.greastlansing.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes.
Very Sorry to lose George. He was a friend and we would often banter about stuff and he would then pull out one of the pens with a light on the end and would give me one. I have a bunch of those. We often spoke about establishing a heart research center in his name. I will miss him.
George Abela
December 15, 2017
To the Eyde family - I remember many gatherings with the Eyde's and I have never seen a closer family. I want to send my condolences to the whole family, and especially his wife, Mary Ann, kids and grandkids. As neighbors to Sam and Judy, I have a lot of fond memories. May his many good memories diminish the sadness and loss. We are thinking of you!
Mike Devaney, and family
Mike Devaney
December 13, 2017
Oh gosh, not George. I will always remember the years of the late 70's to early 90's and the business dealings we had. Mostly with Lou but George spent a bunch of time with me as well. So sorry to hear about Georges passing.
Victor Huff
December 9, 2017
Mary Ann and family our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Tom and Barb Cleary
Barb Cleary
December 6, 2017
Condolences from all of us at Kelley Cawthorne. We loved working with George and will greatly miss him. He was a giant in every sense.
David Gregory
David Gregory
December 6, 2017
We were sorry to hear of George's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time. With deepest sympathy,
Vic and Delores DeRose
Victor DeRose
December 6, 2017
My deepest sympathies to the entire Eyde family especially my friend Nathaniel and my daughter's fellow equestrian partner Mrs. Eyde! I am honored to have had the pleasure to know your father and husband since I met him in first grade with Nathaniel. Truly a great man with an out of this world charisma! He will be sorely missed and our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family. God Bless, Brian Czubak and Family
Brian Czubak
December 6, 2017
To MaryAnn, Matthew, Nathaniel, Sarah,
Sandra and I are so sorry to learn of George's passing. The Eyde family was so strong in their support of the arts at East Lansing High School during my time there. Your friendship is cherished and we wish you love and support during this very difficult time. Much love,
Jonathan Reed and Sandra Snow.
December 5, 2017
Never had the opportunity to get to know George, but the one time I did get to spend some time with him will forever be remembered.
I was meeting with George, Matt, and unbeknownst to me, most of the rest of the Eyde family. Each of George's children were very warm and welcoming - a true tribute to their father. We were given excellent sandwiches upon our more or less last minute arrival and George kept trying to give us bananas. That alone is something difficult to forget. Good memory already.
Our stay lasted longer than expected and my parking meter was set to expire. George gave me his keys, told me to go in the glove compartment of his car parked below, grab a handful of quarters, put them in my meter, and return the keys. Love it. Won't forget it. Will likely keep it going whenever the chance to help some young buck stuck in a quarter rut, certain to make sure he knows where the story began.
This was the first and only time I met with George. I've never heard anything but positive when I hear George's name and it wasn't difficult to see why.
Come to find out, he and my grandfather go way back. They knew one another as students at Michigan State and my grandfather reiterated all that I've always heard.
I'm sure George will be missed by a countless number of people who he have been blessed by him in one way or another throughout his lifetime.
I met him once and I'll never forget.
With deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences to George's family and friends,
Niccolo Mastromatteo
December 5, 2017
To MaryAnn and the rest of the family, Carole and I want to express our sympathy on the loss of George. What a good man. The Keefe-Eyde memories go way back. You must have many more. May they support you all in the future.
Dennis Keefe
December 5, 2017
To Mary Ann and each of your family member, I share the great loss of a great friend who was a very special man.
I am sure he will be turning over all the good deals to Our FATHER THE ALMIGHTY IN HEAVEN. May God Bless each and every one.
We had some good times together with the Knapps development, SchoolHaus Square in Frankenmuth, creation of the Hannah Technology and Research Center, Walter French, 5500 So.Cedar,Meridian Twp., the City of Lansing, the State Legislature, Bzar, Northwind Farms, and a whole lot more.
May God take away all of George's speed limits.
Richard Baibak
December 5, 2017
To MaryAnn and all the wonderful Eyde children my most since condolence on losing
George. May family, friends and fond memories help ease you all through this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Sarah Marks
December 5, 2017
To all the Eyde Family,
On behalf of the Tri-County Office on Aging, we are sending our condolences for the passing of George . We appreciate the support George and the family have provided senior citizens in the tri-county area. Our beautiful kitchen where we prepare over 2,000 hot, nutritious meals a day would not have been possible without the support of George and family. the kitchen is named for the parents, Sam and Eva. He is truly an icon in the community.
Marion Owen
December 5, 2017
Beccy Wolfe
December 5, 2017
What a pleasure that we got to know George Eyde. Love and prayers to all your family, William and Beverly Coats
William and Beverly Coats
Friend
December 5, 2017
Our deepest sympathies to the Eyde family during this difficult time.
Teresa & Rob Munoz
December 5, 2017
To the entire Eyde family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. May he rest in eternal peace.
Nan Farhat
December 5, 2017
The Eyde Family,
I'm so sorry to hear of George's passing. Losing a loved one is always difficult, but the memories will keep him alive in your hearts.
Melisia Taylor
December 5, 2017
Sincere sympathy, many thoughts & prayers, and love to the entire Eyde Family.
Angela Maki
December 4, 2017
MaryAnn and Family,
May the comfort of friends and family be your strength now and in the days ahead.
You're in our thoughts and prayers!
Tom and Margo Vuchetich
Thomas and Margo Vuchetich
December 4, 2017
Fond memories of George. I remember him supporting our soccer club when I coached Nathaniel. Sincere condolences from the O'Briens
Jim O'Brien
December 4, 2017
Extending my deepes
December 4, 2017
Extending my deepest sympathy to the entire Eyde family. Tom Sharkey R62
December 4, 2017
I worked for George's dental company for almost 20 years before we sold out he was a great boss never forgot where he came from very humble man very spiritual. He always had time for people who came up to just converse with him, my son Michael John Simon Was one of those people,, he admired George ,,, when my son was at mass at St. Mary's Cathedral, (usually at noon ) if he ran into George there he would call me on the phone and say , mom guess who I saw today! O thank you George for all the bright moments you gave to my son Michael John ,, Rest in peace George with my son Mike and as Michael would say God bless you ,,
Mary Simon
December 4, 2017
MaryAnn, Matt and the entire Eyde family,
Lea and I would like to express our most sincere condolences to each of you. Please know that we are thinking of all of you in your time of grief and will keep you in our prayers.
God's peace and blessings
Michael and Lea Morelli
December 4, 2017
George was Peter's best friend when growing up.
We all knew George as a very kind person.
The O'Neil family is very sad about the news, and sends their deepest sympathy to his family:
Ingrid, daughter Kathleen, and son Terry with his family.
Ingrid O'Neil
Friend
December 4, 2017
I will always remember the summer I spent with eyed family. George allowed me to live with them while I worked at his construction company during the day and the americas cup restaurant at night. It allowed me to save up enough money to pay for my entire first year of college at the university of Minnesota. His kindness and generousity will always be remembered. Sincerely, Matthew E. Schmidt
Matthew Schmidt
December 4, 2017
Our thoughts are with the entire Eyde family today, who have always been so warm and welcoming. George was a kind and generous man and will be missed by all.
Mike and Sharon Doherty
December 4, 2017
So very sorry to hear about your loss. A wonderful man and beautiful family. Our sincere condolences from the Rycus family.
December 4, 2017
Our family is thinking of George and the rest of the Eyde family today. George and Lou were good friends of my fathers( Gerald) May He rest in Peace.
Jerry Hayes
December 4, 2017
Our deepest sympathy go out to the Eyde family at this difficult time.
Invisible Fence Mid-State
December 4, 2017
Our deepest sympathy go out to the Eyde family at this difficult time.
Invisible Fence Mid-State
December 4, 2017
I am truly sorry to hear of the passing of George. I worked across the hall from him in the Eyde building for several years. He was always such an upbeat, kind person and rarely ever saw him without a smile. Please accept my sincere condolences and may the thoughts and prayers of so many help comfort the Eyde family.
Geri Ziolkowski
December 4, 2017
I enjoyed knowing and working with George over these many years.
Don Martyn
December 4, 2017
Our sincerest condolences to the Eyde family. George's wonderful, kind, and generous spirit will be missed dearly.
McCardel Restoration
December 4, 2017
Thinking about the entire Eyde Family this morning and sending prayers your way. George was an amazingly kind and generous man. He was always incredibly friendly to me and my family. He was loved and respected by all who knew him. My sincere condolences.
Denver Hagan
December 4, 2017
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Great Lakes Bay Construction
December 4, 2017
Condolences to the Eyde Family.
Love and prayers,
The Kowalk Family
Sandy Kowalk-Thompson
December 4, 2017
My heart goes out to the entire Eyde family.....
George was a friend and a mentor expanding my entire career. He will be missed deeply. He taught me many things, but it was the love he had for his family that impressed me the most. Out of all of his successes, his family was his greatest achievement.
Lynne VanDeventer
December 3, 2017
I am so sorry for the great loss of your beloved Dad. He was a great mentor and friend for me. I will be missing him so much and will never forget my interactions and friendship with him. He was very kind to me and others, and talks proudly of his parents.He had a memorabilia from his Dad he always keeps in his wallet. I am praying for you and your whole family on this tragic loss to you and our whole greater Lansing community and beyond.
Ganesh Reddy
December 3, 2017
MaryAnn, Our Thoughts and Prayers are with you and your family.
May God hold you and you family in the Palm of His Hand during this difficult time. Jerry and aFran Kelley
December 3, 2017
Showing 1 - 41 of 41 results
Funeral services provided by:
Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes1730 East Grand River Ave, East Lansing, MI 48823
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more