Donald Vyse

Donald Gordon Vyse passed away at home, surrounded by his family, on Thursday, December 17, 2015. He was born in Detroit, Michigan on September 28, 1928 to William Gordon Vyse and Agnes Margaret (Wieg) Vyse.

He was married on July 30, 1955 at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, Detroit, to Joan Deary Vyse, who preceded him in death.

Surviving are children: Carolyn Works (John); Jenifer Harless (James); Michael Vyse (Cathie); Suzanne Harasti (John); grandchildren Meg (Margaret) Works; Audrey and Henry Harasti; Kristin and Matthew Vyse; step-granddaughter Elizabeth Harless; and numerous nieces and nephews. Don is also survived by his brother-in-law Roger Deary and sister-in-law Carol Deary. Don was preceded in death by his sister, Marie, and brother-in-law Erwin; his sister, Beverly, and brother-in-law Bill.

Don graduated from Wilbur Wright High School, Detroit, in 1947 and received his B.S. from Wayne State University in 1958. He entered the Air Force in 1950, serving during the Korean War. He taught airplane mechanics at Sheppard AFB, Texas, and was honorably discharged in 1953 as an A/1C(P) airplane mechanic.

Don finished up his work career at Aetna Life & Casualty as a Senior Claims Representative and Supervisor. His vast experience in both Sales and managing people stood him in good stead for his next phase of life after retirement – community involvement and over ten years as St. James Township Supervisor on Beaver Island, MI. His many successes included a paved bicycle path, a paved parking lot, downtown sidewalk improvement and general beautification. His greatest achievement was securing the restoration of the St. James Harbor Lighttower.

Don served his community in many capacities over the years: he was on the Beaver Island Community School Board of Education, the Beaver Island Transportation Authority and the St. James Township Board of Review. His love of airplanes is reflected in his long service to the Beaver Island Airport Committee, the Beaver Island Airport Commission, and also serving as BI Township Airport Manager for many years. He was a long-time vestry member and Treasurer of St. James Episcopal Mission on the Island, and received the honor of being named Beaver Island’s first Citizen of the Year.

In lieu of flowers, Don requested that memorial contributions be made to the Beaver Island Rural Health Center at: P.O. Box 146, Beaver Island, MI, 49782.

A memorial service will be held this summer at St. James Episcopal Church on Beaver Island, MI.

Guest Book: www.winchesterfuneralhome.com