John Pinner

John Pinner, 43, of Midland, was taken from his family and friends much too soon on Friday, Aug. 15, 2008.

John was diagnosed on March 27 with stage four stomach cancer, which had evolved to his lymph nodes and liver. John's time here with us was extended by radiation treatments received at the University of Michigan Medical Center. He also sought treatment at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas, to no avail.

John regretfully leaves behind his loving wife of 14 years, Julia Pinner; his brother, Dan Pinner of Thornton, Colo.; and his mother Dorothy Pinner of Midland; and an endless list of precious friends, all to whom will miss him and never forget what he added to their lives.

John was a 1983 graduate of Midland High School. He lived and worked in Lansing from 1983 to 1985, then moved back to Midland and worked at M.A.P. mechanical contractors until 2000. He was employed at Dow Corning Hemlock Semiconductor since May of 2000, where he performed his job with an unmatched work ethic, received numerous recognition awards for projects outside of his required tasks, and was well respected by managers and co-workers. John believed in working hard and tried to set an example for others in many ways. John was a man of strength and character beyond measure, which was evident in every part of his life. John was an avid hunter and natural-born fisherman. From the age of four to 43, he learned, practiced and mastered his skills at fishing for various species. He later spent time outside of work as a fishing guide on the rivers in northern Michigan. He found great joy in teaching others to fish and being there when they landed their first. He held numerous Master Angler Awards for record salmon and steelhead, and more recently became a professional walleye tournament fisherman. He was a member of the pro-staff at Lindy's Sales in Quanicassee where he was a part of a new family of friends and fellow fishermen. Cancer was no match for John's zest for life and will to make the most of each day of his life.

MidMichigan Hospice provided John a team of people whose care and support helped John to meet his goals of being able to spend his summer fishing, competing in tournaments, and spending time with friends laughing and making memories for all to carry with them. To their caring hospice team, John and Julia are extremely grateful. If it is God's will, his friends look forward to fishing with him again in another life.

The funeral service will take place on Wednesday Aug. 20, 2008, at 11 a.m. from the Ware-Smith-Woolever Funeral Home, 1200 W. Wheeler St.

John's family will receive friends at the funeral home today from 6 to 8 p.m., Tuesday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. and on Wednesday at 10 a.m. until the time of service.

Those wishing to send an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a donation to the Catch-A-Dream Foundation in memory of John. Catch-A-Dream gives young people with life-threatening illnesses the chance of a lifetime to experience outdoor adventure. It is John's wish that the heritage of hunting and fishing be carried on to many generations, especially to young people whose lives are also ending much too soon.

If you are unable to visit with the family in person you may send your condolences through www.waresmithwoolever.com.