Paul "Spike" Gerwin

1929 - 2017

GERWIN

Dubbed "Spike" at age two to counter a head of blonde curls, Paul John Gerwin passed peacefully on October 12, 2016, at Joanne's House at Hope Hospice in Florida. His devoted wife of 64 years, Marie Massey Gerwin; his daughters, Lynn Grier and Mary Gerwin; and his sons, Jud Gerwin and Joe Gerwin, gathered at his bedside, saying good-bye to the patient, humble, tactful man who served as their role model for how to live a quietly joyful life. Born on August 10, 1929, in Cincinnati, Spike grew up in Columbus, Ohio, graduating from Upper Arlington High School and later receiving both his B.A. and his M.B. A. from Cornell University. While academics were his primary focus, his fellow students appreciated his skill on both the pitching mound and the basketball court. After college his game of choice became golf, which he played at least once a week during his working career and at least four times a week in retirement. After serving in the army, Spike began his career with Procter and Gamble. A loyal employee for 38 years, he approached business the way he approached life: in both he earned the reputation for being a straight arrow and a perfect gentleman. Almost every summer of his long life, Spike enjoyed time at his family's island cottage in the Les Cheneaux Islands in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. It was there that he first met the love of his life, Marie, and there that he introduced his four children and three grandchildren to days in icy water and nights near a toasty fire. Spike was blessed with a strong tenor voice, which made long car rides more enjoyable and sing-alongs more musical. All those who loved him are encouraged to honor him with a peanut butter sandwich, with or without butter, jelly, lettuce, or banana. Spike relished all of these variations as long as the sandwich started with Jif. Following a private service, family and friends are encouraged to gather at the Mariemont Inn from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 22nd. Donations in his memory can be made to the Les Cheneaux Historical Association, P.O. Box 301, Cedarville, MI 49719 or to Joanne's House at Hope Hospice, 27200 Imperial Parkway, Bonita Springs, FL 34135. On line condolences may be left by visiting www.ShikanyFuneralHome.com Arrangements are being handled by Shikany's Bonita Funeral Home, Bonita Springs, FL.