Jack Aston

Jack E. Aston, 81, passed away February 28, 2018 in Traverse City after a lengthy battle with cancer. Jack was born in Detroit on June 8, 1936 a son to George Lucas and Helene Pauline Otillie (Bayer) Aston. He married Reida Kay Sharland in Mt. Clemens, MI on December 7, 1957.

Jack was a very loving father of six children;  Scott E. Aston of Alden, MI, Shelly E. (Dennis) Sarti  of Macomb, MI, Steven E. Aston, of Harrison Twp., MI, Sharlyn E. (Marty) Chapman, of Rapid City, MI, Sandy E. (Brent) Jansen of Rapid City, MI, Susie E. (Greg) Green of Harrison Twp. MI. He had five grandchildren;  Justin Lucas-17, Jordan Kay-15, Jason James-11 Jansen, and Addison Lauren-7 and Jack Thomas-4 Green. He was also guardian to his niece and nephew George P. (Tiffany) Pomaville (son Logan) of Cedar MI, Helene C. (Robert) Griffus, (children, David and Megan) of Weidman, MI.

Jack was very proud he achieved Eagle Scout status in the Boy Scouts when he was a teenager and he received an Certificate of Heroism in 1949 for saving a boy’s life from drowning in the Clinton River. He was in the Navy Submarine Reserves from 1955-58. Jack’s father passed away when he was 21 and Jack inherited the family business, Clinton River Marina Inc. on the Clinton River just north of Detroit. The water was his livelihood and his work ethic was unparalleled. He was a successful business owner for 42 years while becoming a valuable community member of ‘Boat Town’ on Lake St. Clair. His entire life he was involved in several charity organizations such as, Harrison Twp. Goodfellows, East Side Detroit Lions Club, US Coastguard Auxiliary, Salvation Army, Boy Scouts of America, Leader Dogs for the Blind, and always supported local politics. Jack was an avid fisherman; there were many of nights that Reida was cleaning fish to the wee hours after he brought a large catch home to feed his family and friends. He vacationed in the Torch Lake area since 1966 and he built his retirement home on a Tree Farm in Rapid City in 1982 and permanently moved to the residence shortly thereafter. He was very active working on his tree farm year-round up until just this past winter. He loved the recreational activities that northern Michigan offered. In his retirement years he snowmobiled in the winter, fished in the summer and traveled on cruises and road trips across America with his wife, Reida. He enjoyed reading all types of books, often finishing several a week. He spent a lot of time with his grandchildren teaching them how to work around the farm, something that children need in this day and age! His charisma, friendship, and leadership will be missed however, our family is rejoicing that he is at peace with our Lord.

Memorial Service March 10, 2018, 1pm, at Alden United Methodist Church, Alden MI.

Memorials in lieu of flowers, may be made to Salvation Army, Cowell Family Cancer Center, 217 S. Madison St., Traverse City, 49684; Munson Hospice House, 450 Brook St., Traverse City, MI 49684; or Alden United Methodist Church, PO Box 130, Alden, MI 49612

Arrangements have been handled by the Bellaire Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.  Please sign his online guestbook www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.