John E. Page

For John Page, family was the greatest source of happiness. He was a romantic husband and a thoughtful father, and each day he devised new ways to share his joy with the many people he loved. John was a talker and a teaser with a sense of humor that kept you laughing. In his company, you couldn't help but smile.

With the end of the Second World War, thousands of young soldiers returned to their civilian lives back home. They started families of their own and the Baby Boom was soon underway. In Paris, Michigan, Claude Page and his wife Dolores Rose were among the many expecting parents. On June 18, 1949, they were blessed with the healthy birth of their son John.

The eldest of eleven children, John grew up in Paris with the company of his sister Claudia Sue and his brothers Tom, Robert, Jim, Jack, Bill, Richard, Dave, Mike, and Joe. While their mother tended to the house, their father provided for the family through his job as an Over-The-Road truck driver. At the age of five John developed polio: he returned home from kindergarten, washed his hands, and suddenly could not raise his head. Over the following years he underwent many operations on his spine, arms, and legs. The surgery was scheduled for the summertime, and despite the countless hours of rehabilitation, he only missed one year of school. Throughout his struggle with polio, John kept a positive attitude. He never let the disease slow him down, and in his teenage years he discovered a way to move as quickly as any of his peers: he bought his first car, a black 1963 Dodge. This was the beginning of his lifelong love for automobiles. As a teenager he owned several cars, including a Plymouth Barracuda and the 1959 Pontiac convertible that he used to deliver his paper route.

By the time that John graduated from high school, he no longer needed his crutches. He walked with a slight limp, but this didn't hold him back. Throughout the year he worked part-time at Mecosta County Road Commission, and in the summers he mowed grass, worked as a custodian at the high school, and assisted at the local body shop. At the body shop John developed a strong appreciation for mechanical design.

Following his graduation, John enrolled at Ferris State College where he studied technical art for more than three years. Prior to his graduation, he was recruited by Heath Corporation to illustrate the instruction manuals for their radio kits. After five years at Heath, he relocated to Getman Company where he drew diagrams explaining their machinery. John loved to work, and he was very skilled in his trade. In 1996 he formed his own company, Page Group Inc, which specialized in technical documentation and training manuals. His client list included General Motors, AC Delco, Eaton, and Big Dutchman.

John married a young woman named Marielle Champigny. Although their marriage would ultimately end in divorce, their union blessed them with two children: Lorna and Cory. John was a dedicated father. He was very thoughtful. He anticipated his children's needs, then fulfilled them before they even had the chance to ask.

In the mid-1980's John was invited to a friend's house to play cards. He knew everyone at the card game, except for an attractive young woman named Diane Suchowski. She was also single - and this was far from a coincidence. She and John were being setup by their mutual friends. After six months of card games, John asked Diane if she'd like to go out on a date. She accepted his invitation, and he took her to the theater to see Casablanca. This was the beginning of a romantic courtship that would end in marriage five years later, on July 14, 1989 at St. Monica Catholic Church.

The newlyweds settled in the house at 623 Village. This was an older home, and John and Diane quickly restored it to its former glory. John was an eager volunteer who played an active role in his community. He was a member of the Vine Neighborhood Association and the President/Board Member of Kalamazoo Neighborhood Housing Services. When he and Diane moved to their current home on Cloyster Court, he became an officer in the Whites/Edgemoor/Bronson Neighborhood Association. He donated his time and energy to the Ronald MacDonald House Charities and as a Buick Open Volunteer. He also volunteered as an election precinct worker.

John and Diane shared a love for travel. Early in their marriage, they went on a memorable trip out West, stopping at every landmark along the way. In Austin, Minnesota they visited the SPAM Museum; in Darwin, Minnesota they beheld the world's largest ball of twine; in Mitchell, South Dakota they stopped by the Corn Palace. In Eastern Wyoming they saw Devils Tower, a volcanic neck that dramatically spikes up from the earth. In the Dakotas they drove through the arid Badlands and visited Mount Rushmore. Amid all these attractions, John was perhaps the most excited to visit the John Deere Museum. He admired these machines and returned home with several collectibles.

Over the years, John added to his many collections. He owned countless tin toys, scaled red Chevrolet trucks, and pieces of red ruby glass. His mind was inquisitive, and he kept himself engaged by reading history books. He enjoyed sports. John and Diane owned season tickets to the Kalamazoo Kings, and they loyally cheered for Michigan State University, the Detroit Pistons, and the Detroit Tigers. Every Thanksgiving, John joined his brothers to watch the Lions game.

In his later years John was thrilled to see his family grow with the blessing of three wonderful grandchildren, Dustin, Elisa, and Megan. John cherished every moment that he spent with the youngest members of the family. He was the happiest when he was with his wife, children, and grandkids. Each summer he rented a condominium in Frankfurt where he and Diane and her entire family congregated. These vacations provided the setting for many of John's favorite memories with his in-laws. The family strolled along the lake, ate homemade kielbasa, and remembered stories from the days gone by.

John was a wonderful husband, father, and grandpa. His family was his greatest priority. He worked hard to provide for his children, and he found the reward for his effort in their loving company. He loved being with his group of friends who shared his ready wit. Among the many people whose hearts he touched, John will be greatly missed and frequently remembered.

John died at his residence on February 4, 2007, one year after he was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor. Friends may spend time with the Page Family Wednesday from 4:00-8:00 PM at the Life Story Funeral Home, Betzler-6080 Stadium Drive-Kalamazoo, 375-2900, where a rosary and personal tributes will be offered at 7:30 PM that evening. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday 11:00 AM at St. Monica Catholic Church. Following the mass, food and fellowship will be shared in the parish hall. Members of his family include his wife, Diane Page; two children: Lorna Evans of St. Joseph and Cory (Shannon) Page of Lawrence; three grandchildren: Dustin Fortner, Elisa Page and Megan Page; his parents, Claude and Dolores Page of Paris; nine brothers and one sister: Tom Page of Paris, Robert Page of Jenison, Jim Page and Jack Page both of Paris, Bill Page of Perry, Richard Page of Ludington, Claudia Sue Johnson, Dave Page, Mike Page, and Joe Page all of Paris; several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you may archive a memory, order flowers, or make a memorial contribution to St. Monica Educational Assistance Fund.