Garnet W. “Goose” McGillviray, age 88, of 570 North 14th Street; Gladstone, passed away Wednesday January 2nd, 2008 at St. Francis Hospital in Escanaba where he was a patient for one day.

Garnet was born August 23rd, 1919 in Garnet, Michigan, the son of Robert and Rachel (Bottrell) McGillviray was raised in that area. He relocated to Gladstone in 1941 and has lived in that location since. Much of his working life, Garnet was employed in the construction field and he later worked for the City of Gladstone for ten years before his retirement at age 65.Garnet is currently a member of the Community Church of Christ and had faithfully served as a pastor, evangelist and for many years ministered at baptisms, wedding and funerals. Garnet was known as a true gentleman and as a sincere and genuine individual who was highly respected but he considered himself as just a simple servant of God.

In his personal life, Garnet enjoyed gardening, listening to music, playing baseball and watching the “Detroit Tigers” and the “Detroit Lions”. As a family man, Garnet particularly loved to witness all his grandchildren growing up and he always took special pleasure in watching them participate in their sporting activities. He will be missed by family and friends but they realize that they were all fortunate to have had him in their lives.

In addition to his devoted wife, Mable, Garnet’s survivors include:

2 Sons- Calvin (Sally) Patterson of Gladstone; Jeff (Joanne) McGillviray of Kingsford, MI

4 Daughters- Barbara (Robert) Rivard of Gladstone; Vicki (Del) Bauman of Independence, MO; Kathy (John Syverson) Johnson of Gladstone; Jeanne Baron of Sault Ste Marie, MI

1 Sister-Mary Houghton of Gladstone

17 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, 6 great-great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Garnet was preceded in death by his parents, two infant twin sons, Kent and Keith, and by two brothers, Robert and Benjamin. He was also preceded by a 10 year old great grandson, Paul Patterson. 

The family of Garnet “Goose “ McGillviray will receive friends on Saturday at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. Services celebrating Garnet’s life will follow on Saturday at 5:30 p.m. at the Skradski Funeral Home with Pastor Donna Richie and Elder Michael Rasmusson officiating. Luncheon will follow at All Saints Church Fellowship Hall. Burial will be in Maplewood Cemetery in Mackinac County.