John S. Maskell

There are few of which it can be said that the world is a much better place simply because this special person was here, but John Maskell was one such man. His love for and devotion to his family was unmatched, and the impact he made in the lives of the generations who follow him is truly timeless. With the love of his life by his side for more than 45 years, John fully immersed himself in his role as a father yet he just may have argued that becoming a grandfather was his highest calling and greatest gift. A compassionate and uplifting man, John was a priceless treasure in the lives of those too numerous to count. While the nation was abuzz with the escalation of WWII overseas by 1941, a young couple from Reed City, Michigan, was preparing for a time of great joy in their life as they were eagerly awaiting the birth of their firstborn child. It was on September 30th of that year that George and Constance (Fredricks) Maskell were pleased to announce the arrival of the baby boy they named John. When he was just a toddler, John moved with his family to Muskegon Heights where he was raised in the family home alongside his younger siblings, Gayle, Deb, and Jack. He was an active young boy who loved playing mushball, bowling, deer hunting, snowmobiling, camping all over with his family, and working on cars as he got a bit older. Fun-filled family times were had when the Maskells went to visit relatives in Luther as well as Aunt Vera Cota in Big Rapids. John also fished all over with his family. For his education John attended local schools including Phillips Elementary and Muskegon Heights High School. After graduating from high school in 1959, John took some classes at Muskegon Community College where he focused on classes in advanced photography and advanced welding. He also took first aid through the American Red Cross. Although John was burned in a work accident as a young man, it soon became clear that this was all part of Gods plan for his life. As a patient at Mercy Hospital in Muskegon, John shared a room with a man who had a daughter named Ria Lisman. When Rias sister, Yo, returned from a visit with her father on April 1, 1962, Yo told Ria that she needed to meet their fathers handsome roommate. As the story goes, the rest is history as John and Ria began dating a short time later. Deeply in love, they were married on September 18, 1965. Together they were blessed with three sons: John, George, and Rob. John and Ria raised their boys in Whitehall where they were actively involved in all of their activities. They were both fantastic parents who were fair and honest as well as their biggest supporters in whatever they did. John and Ria were there to help with whatever needed to be done in regards to their boys athletic events including carrying and repairing equipment, selling raffle tickets, donating both their time and effort, and even providing one of their teams with new uniforms on one occasion. The Maskells were an adventurous bunch who enjoyed many outings together as well as the numerous 4X4 events that John pulled together, scavenger hunts, and cleaning the 4X4 vehicles together, too. They were active with the Port City Four Wheelers and usually did a monthly off road run. Together the Maskells also worked side by side collecting donations for the Jerry Lewis Telethon and the March of Dimes. In order to support his family, John worked hard wherever his career took him. He worked at Sealed Power for a time and briefly for Brunswick followed by Universal Camshaft. John finally settled in at Engine Power Components where he worked as an engineer until he retired in 1999. Those who knew John were well aware of his love for hockey. He was thrilled to be given the opportunity to be involved with the Muskegon Fury. John did anything and everything he could to help from handing out programs to becoming an off ice official, often following the team to various games and championships including to New York, Indiana, and Illinois. John was accompanying the team to a game in Elmira, New York when the air conditioner on top of the bus they were traveling in was ripped right off as it didnt quite fit under an overpass. Although this may seem funny now, it certainly was not that day! There was nothing that was ever of greater importance in Johns life than his friends and loved ones. He had so many fun times with T. J., Jimmy T. and family, and he also shared a special friendship with Paul Nottingham. John always looked forward to their annual salt flat races together. When grandchildren arrived, he was over the moon and spending time with them quickly became a favorite activity. John attended nearly all of their sporting games and events including Makaylas softball, Keltons hockey, J.Ts baseball, Bryces gymnastics, Lydias equestrian events, Caitlyn's dancing, and fishing with Conner. He was Emmas biggest supporter in her fight with juvenile diabetes, and all his grandchildren would agree that there was nothing like setting off rockets and flying kites with grandpa. Additionally, John was the best babysitter. Birthdays were always precious times with John around and so were Easter egg hunts and Christmas Eve at grandpas house as well. Retirement provided John with more time to pursue the things he loved. He was a biomed driver for the American Red Cross and attended Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Muskegon. John dabbled in photography and was quite the craftsman who built hockey coat racks as well as beds and vanities for his grandchildren. He also enjoyed working on cars and loved camping, especially in the Upper Peninsula. John and Ria enjoyed a 12 day Alaskan cruise together as well as a trip to Arizona in 2006. There was also a memorable trip to New York to visit with their son, John, and his family. Through the life of John Maskell we are inspired to love deeply, give generously, and live fully. He could be stubborn at times, but only because he was passionate, and his quiet strength was his constant companion. John will be deeply missed and warmly remembered while his shining legacy continues on in the lives of his beloved family. John S. Maskell died on Wednesday, August 24, 2011. Johns family includes his wife, Ria; sons, John (Lisa) Maskell of NY, George (Tonya) Maskell of Muskegon, Rob Maskell of Muskegon; grandchildren, Caitlyn, Connor, Lydia, Emma, Makayla, J.T., Kelton sister, Gayle (James) Berlin of N. Muskegon; brother, Jack (Joannie) Maskell of Grand Rapids and very special pal, Diamond. John was preceded in death by his parents. A memorial service will be held on Monday, August 29, 2011, 10:00 a.m. and visitation 1 hour prior to the service at the Clock Chapel - Muskegon with Pastor Ronald Amos officiating. Memorial contributions may be directed to Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book.