Gordon Wells Telfer's Obituary
Big Rapids - Gordon W. Telfer, 80, of Big Rapids, passed away unexpectedly on February 7, 2020, at St. Mary's Mercy Hospital in Grand Rapids.
He was born on February 27, 1939, in Big Rapids, and was the first son of Gavin "Bill" and Evelyn (Robbins) Telfer.
Gordy retired from Ferris State University College of Pharmacy where he served as a Stockroom Manager. He loved the outdoors and was an avid fly fisherman including teaching classes and tying flies. He was currently serving on the Highland View Cemetery Board, was a member of the Sons of the American Revolution, and a member of the Mecosta County Genealogy Society. He was a leader for both Cub Scout Pack 3114 and Boy Scout Troup 114, a coach for Little League Baseball, a City of Big Rapids Elections Official, and served on many committees for the City of Big Rapids. He also wrote many articles for The Pioneer telling the stories of growing up in small town Big Rapids. His passion for genealogy and local history lead to many interesting conservations from people both near and far with over 100,000 names in his genealogy database. He will be forever remembered for his gentle and kind soul, his caring personality, his sense of humor, his riding lawn mower, and his love for his family and friends including organizing reunions and monthly gatherings.
Gordy is survived by his wife Linda; two sons Tony (Liz), and James (Rachael); one granddaughter Kendall Telfer; his mother Evelyn Telfer; his brother Gavin (Edna) Telfer; his sister Mary (Grant) Blakely; niece Megan (Rob) Payne; nephew Justin Blakely, and mother-in-law Lillian Mondrella. He was preceded in death by his father Bill and his brother and sister-in-law Tom and Linda Telfer.
Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, February 12, 2020 at First Baptist Church, 200 S. Stewart Street, Big Rapids, with Pastor Dave Westover officiating. Spring burial will be in the Highland View Cemetery. Gordy's family will greet friends from 3 - 7 p.m. on Tuesday, February 11, 2020 at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids and at the church beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations in his name be made to the Mecosta County Genealogy Society or the Highland View Building Fund.
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