Donald Edmond Girard

Girard, Donald E. age 82 of Westland. God saw he was getting tired and recovery was not to be… so He put His arms around him and whispered, “Come with me.” Born October 30, 1929. Passed into eternal life peacefully at home June 21, 2012 with his devoted wife, Betty (nee Winn) by his side. In January of this year, Donald and Betty celebrated 62 years of marriage. Cherished father of Gerald (Ana), David, Judy (Mario) Rossi, Glenn, Nancy (Jerry) Cheek and Ken (Cori). Loving grandfather of Dawn (David) Foster, Mark Girard, Charlie (Robin) Rossi, Nicholas Doud, Lara (Nathan) McKinley, Katrina (William) Sandlin, Jessica Davis and Megan Davis. Great-grandfather of Elliot and Jillian Rossi, Chastity, Paige and Dillian Sandlin and Bridgette Davis. Donald is also survived by his two dear sisters, Vera Freeman and Marion Bagwell and sister-in-law Joyce Schonscheck. Many nieces and nephews also survive. Donald is predeceased by his parents, Humphrey and Anna (nee Burke), in-laws Raymond and Maude Winn and grandson Kenny Girard, Jr. Donald was an avid outdoorsman and conservationist. He devoted many years to the Wayne County Sportsman Club where he was president for two terms and secretary for many years. His devotion also extended to the Pte. Mouilee Waterfowlers Club. He helped organize and run duck decoy contests for several years for that club. He also helped form the Lake Erie Wildfowlers at Crane Creek & Magee Marsh in Ohio. His tireless devotion to the outdoors and waterfowl was recognized with a Certificate of Appreciation from past Governor of Michigan, William J. Milliken. Don and Betty also enjoyed working together for the Michigan Habitat Foundation. Donald was a Scout Leader for many years, going on to be Scout Commissioner of the Sauk Trail District. Five of Donald’s six children were in the Armed Forces. Donald was a longtime employee (37 years) of the Detroit News and Free Press. Visitation will take place Sun 3-9 PM at Vermeulen Funeral Home 980 N. Newburgh Rd (between Ford Rd. and Cherry Hill), Westland. Instate Monday 9 AM until 9:30 AM Funeral Mass at St. Richard Catholic Church 35637 Cherry Hill (between Wayne Rd. and Newburgh) Westland. Entombment at Michigan Memorial Park in Flat Rock, Michigan. Memorials to St. Richard Catholic Church would be appreciated. To share a memory, please use the View and Send Condolences tab on this web page.

Donald Edmond Girard

October 30, 1929 - June 21, 2012