Glen Daniel Fillion

It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of Glen Daniel Fillion of Muskegon, Michigan. Born in Saginaw on March 9, 1949, Glen was the eldest son of Daniel O. Fillion and Loretta A. Porterfield (nee. Slawinski). He is survived by his beloved wife Mary Catherine (Cathy), children Daniel (Erin), Alison (Greg Puhalski), and Dustin (Nida), grandchildren Audrey, Nathan, Zara, Harris, and Layla, and siblings Rev. Father Stephen, Yvonne Fillion (Dr. Richard Mitchell), John Porterfield (Chantal) and William Kowalak (Laurie). He is predeceased by his brother James and sister Patricia Porterfield.
Glen's early life was marked by loss, after his father passed at the age of two. Despite hardship, he grew up with resilience, supported by his extended family, the Big Brothers Club of Saginaw, Michigan, and his stepfather, John Porterfield, Sr.. A gifted student and athlete, Glen graduated from Caro High School and went on to earn a degree in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Michigan. After graduation he met Cathy, the love of his life. They married in 1973 and built a life rich with love, adventure, and family.
Throughout his career as an engineer and executive, Glen earned advanced degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Business Administration. His work with Dana Corporation took the family across the U.S. and abroad, including transformative chapters in Tokyo, Japan, where he built lifelong friendships and a deep appreciation for the culture.
Glen's adventurous spirit and intellectual curiosity took him around the world, and he was deeply fulfilled by the relationships and experiences he gathered along the way. In 2012, he purchased MD Instruments in Muskegon, MI and led the company with the same passion and integrity that defined his life.
Glen's strength was exemplified in his fight against pancreatic cancer in 2018–19. Though the illness left lasting effects, he never lost his zest for life. His best friend, Tom Sawdey, and his wife Renee, and the Oghino Family were among the many lifelong friendships Glen cherished.
From humble beginnings, Glen lived a remarkable life marked by love, kindness, and wisdom. Above all, Glen was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He took immense pride in his family's accomplishments and created a home full of warmth, support, and laughter. He was a man of great intellect, quick wit, generosity, and boundless energy-always learning, moving, and sharing his love for history, science, music, and literature.
His legacy will live on in the countless lives he touched. He will be deeply missed, but always remembered. FUNERAL SERVICES for Glen will be held 3:00 pm, Thursday, July 3, 2025, at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444. VISITATION with the family will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. MEMORIALS in Glen's name can be directed to Pancreatic Cancer Action Network or the Big Brothers Big Sisters Of The Great Lakes Bay Region would be appreciated.