John Aslakson

John Aslakson was a lifetime resident of Muskegon, the community that he loved, and one that was immeasurably enriched by his leadership and activism. His love for life shone in each act of civic duty, in every Big Reds football game faithfully attended, and in the education he brought to so many. He poured his heart and soul into enriching his community, but John was also a family man first and foremost, his children and grandchildren his greatest source of pride. He was dedicated and charitable, a man of integrity and plentiful love whose zest for life left behind a legacy of compassion, leadership and joy. John was born on June 16, 1946, as the nation was settling back into peace. His father Raymond and his mother Eleanor (Trygstad) Aslakson were overjoyed to announce the birth of their second child. Raymond was the president of NaphSol Oil Refinery in Muskegon and his mother was a homemaker. He had an elder brother Roger, and later would arrive Susan, Vicki and David. They grew up together in east Muskegon and attended Oakview Elementary, Steele Junior High and Muskegon High School, the home of John's beloved Big Reds. Taking every opportunity to engage in life from early on, John ran track in high school and was involved in theater, and loved rock n' roll. By the time he enrolled at Muskegon Community College, he was so involved in activities that he extended his studies to make time for drama and student government, among other things. He earned a teaching degree from Grand Valley State University, with a dual degree in history and political science. Before he began his career as a teacher, he managed several local rock bands, including The Aardvarks and Revelation 22:13. After college, the ambitious John purchased a home on Fifth Street across from his high school Alma Mater, and he remained there throughout the rest of his life. A die-hard Muskegon Big Reds fan, John attended every football game and loved keeping stats on the teams and players. His love of the game was not satiated at the local level; he made up charts every year for the NFL draft. John's life was changed forever when a "kooky" friend brought Marcia Page to a Muskegon Community College basketball game he was working. The team's statistician, Marcia thought he seemed to be more interested in the score than her, but later that night they connected and he won her over. They married on May 6, 1978. She moved into his home and brought to the marriage two young children, Jack and Chandra, whom John loved as his own. John began his teaching career in the Muskegon Heights Adult Education Program, where he would remain until 2006. His booming voice and charisma gave him command over his classroom. A dedicated teacher and a man of great intelligence, John offered his wealth of knowledge to adult education students for over 25 years. His commitment earned him the title of State of Michigan Teacher of the Year. John's mother Eleanor passed on a legacy of civic duty to her son, and shaped him into the mentor and leader that made a positive impact on his community. In 1994 John was appointed to the city commission and was later elected City Commissioner, an office that allowed him to remain active in the community in important ways. Through unifying leadership, John became an integral member of the commission, providing resolutions to satisfy all parties and benefit the Muskegon community whenever possible. He served on the city planning commission, and participated in the redevelopment of downtown Muskegon's central business district at a critical time in its history. John's additional work in the Muskegon community is immeasurable, and includes the city's image committee, Muskegon County Museum, acting as the first president of the Unicopia Food Cooperative, performance for the Muskegon Civic Opera Association, Junior Achievement, local public radio, and the Muskegon Sesquicentennial Committee. These irreplaceable contributions were not only effective, but came from a true love for community. But John wasn't just important to his students or to the community he served. He was a loving and dedicated family man to the core, whose smile and laughter brought joy to his family every day. He made time for his family, and was actively involved in the lives of Marcia's children. Later he would remain Papa as they had children who accompanied him on parade floats during his time as Commissioner, and loved to tag along when he visited local restaurants and establishments. John was always involved, and the stories his prococious granddaughter Madison told him about school helped him to stay abreast of what was happening in the community. Life became difficult for John and those who loved him when he was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis five years ago, but he remained the amazing man his family loved and adored. He faithfully underwent treatments, knowing there was no cure, and in time he grew weaker. He had to withdraw from civic activities, but remained as active as he could within his circle of beloved family and friends. The family of John Aslakson and the community of Muskegon mourns the death of Big John Aslakson, a man of rare integrity, vibrancy and dedication. His tireless work for the community he dearly loved has left a deeply embedded footprint throughout Muskegon, and a legacy of charity and love. The community has lost an intelligent, articulate and unifying leader, a die-hard Big Reds fan, an inspring adult education teacher, and a man who brought joy and fun to life each day he lived. But the greatest legacy left by John Aslakson was devotion to his family, and he will be missed dearly by all who had the honor of knowing and loving him. John R. Aslakson died on Thursday, November 11, 2010. John was survived by his wife Marcia; son, Jack (Jamie) Page of Muskegon; grandchildern, Madison & Logan Page; brothers, Roger (Judy) Aslakson, David (Debbie) Aslakson, of Muskegon; sisters, Susan (John) Sturgill of Grand Haven, Vicki (John) Johnson of Muskegon; several nieces & nephews. John was preceded in death by daughter, Chandra Lyn Page in 2007. A celebration of John's life will take place at Haggars Hideaway on Friday, November 19, 2010 from 6:00 to 9:30 PM. Please visit lifestory.net where you can leave a favorite memory or make a memorial contribution to the Big Red Ed Club or the Big Red Athletic Fund.