Photo courtesy of Stephenson-Nelson Funeral Home - Sebring
Sebring, Florida
May 23, 1939 – Feb 2, 2025
John Nickolas MacTavish died on Sunday; Feb. 2, 2025 at his home in Sebring Fl. ....He was predeceased by his parents Alison and Rolph McTavish (not a typo) and his first wife Patricia Harpley MacTavish
John graduated from Case Western Reserve University in 1970 with a Ph.D. in Geology and had several professions during his professional life. He taught at three universities for a total of twenty-two years. John also built a service company (Michigan Township Services) from scratch over twelve years to become the largest of its kind in the State at its time. Leeward Properties; his real estate company also served him well before retiring.
John had survived a 4-way bypass, prostate cancer, a pacemaker, and roux-en Y bariatric surgery. He also managed to survive two rounds of politics including Robinson Township Supervisor and being Vantage Point HOA Board member. Parkinson’s Disease however managed to seal his fate.
John was a quiet man who enjoyed a variety of experiences at different times in his life. They included farming, hunting, fishing, living summers on a houseboat, real estate, golf, RC airplanes, motorcycles, and RVing. He also enjoyed raised cattle, sheep, and chickens.
Surviving John is his wife Vicki Condie MacTavish, his sister Roberta Ann Balantine. His children: Sara Abigail DeGarmo (Timothy), and Rachel Harpley: stepchildren Jennifer Condie Read (Bob), Jamie Condie (Marika Chew), and Stephen Condie (Sara). Eight grandchildren Felisha Diskin (Joseph), Alexis Akavong (Bobby-Joe) Nia DeGarmo, Nickolas DeGarmo, Ella Read, John Read, Kevin Condie, and Nathan Condie, 2 great- grandchildren Amaraya-Rose and Ezikkiel-Creedynce Svay Troy Ballantine; a favored nephew along with his sons Nickolas and Benji; are also his survivors.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Democratic party, which he knows will be hard to do for many of his friends. There will be no memorial service but there will be several memory parties to celebrate his life .....Liquor will flow freely, and stories will be told.
Arrangements entrusted to:
Stephenson-Nelson Funeral Home
4001 Sebring Parkway
Sebring, FL 33870
A life well lived with much love.
Sue and Tom Watson
February 17, 2025 | Hudson, OH | Friend
John and I worked in the same real estate office at one time. He was a brilliant man. He knew so much of a variety of different subjects. I’m honored I had the pleasure of getting to know him. My sympathy to his family !
Linda Brock
February 16, 2025 | Grand Haven, MI | Coworker
So sorry for your loss.
Margaret and Lamar Graves
February 12, 2025 | Sebring, FL | Friend
I am so sorry to learn of your loss. May all the wonderful memories of John's very full and purposeful life sustain you in the days ahead.
Carole Koontz
February 09, 2025 | Saint Louisville, OH
Remembered By
John & Sandra Pace
February 05, 2025 | Cortland, NY | Friend
Dear Vicki and Family - Sending love and positive thoughts as you learn to walk through life a little differently. ALWAYS: Remember to always smile when you think of John, always keep those special memories close at hand and know he's always with you. Love from Susan Porter
Susan Porter
February 04, 2025 | Ramona, CA | Friend
He was a wonderful friend that we got to spend many hours, days, and weeks with. We always had good times together. He will be missed but never forgotten.
Dick and Sandy Arthur
February 04, 2025 | Ocala, FL | Friend
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Lisa Kossmann
February 04, 2025 | Sebring, FL | Friend
Our Condolences
Anthony DiLucci
February 04, 2025 | Tony, NY | Family
