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John MacTavish Obituary
John Nickolas MacTavish died on Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025, at his home in Sebring, Florida.
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 22 years. John also built a service company (Michigan Township Services) from scratch over 12 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 four-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; two 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. Online condolences may be left at www.stephensonnelsonfh.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John MacTavish
Sue and Tom Watson
February 17, 2025
A life well lived with much love.
Linda Brock
February 16, 2025
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 !
Margaret and Lamar Graves
February 12, 2025
So sorry for your loss.
Carole Koontz
February 9, 2025
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.
Susan Porter
February 4, 2025
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
Dick and Sandy Arthur
February 4, 2025
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.
Lisa Kossmann
February 4, 2025
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.
Anthony DiLucci
February 4, 2025
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Stephenson-Nelson Funeral Home - Sebring4001 Sebring Parkway, Sebring, FL 33870
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