Former Wayland man Edward James Sevigny died Wednesday, Dec.11, in Sharpsburg, Ga. He was 71.
Edward was born Sep 18, 1953, in Grand Rapids, the youngest of eight children and both his parents died when he was a teenager. He grew up quickly and found a passion for craftmanship that would guide him for almost 60 years.
He took pride in his work as a tool and die maker, remodeling homes, fixing automobiles, and mentoring those skills to others. He will be remembered for his incredible capacity to lend a helping hand, and the type of person who never met a stranger.
His unwavering faith was nurtured from his upbringing with St. Therese Catholic Church where he insisted his children attend school to learn to be Christians.
As a native to Wayland, he was an avid Detroit Lions and Michigan Wolverines fan.
Edward retired and moved to Georgia in 2017 to be closer to his son and daughter’s families. From that point, he traveled from coast to coast, enjoyed cruises, meeting new people, and trying to make the most of his life.
He was funny, inappropriate, life of the party, pulling pranks or giving his infamous “wet-Willys.” Even in the moments before death, he laughed while reminiscing.
He is survived by his three children; Nichole (Eric) Cleary of Otsego, Steven (Holli) Sevigny of Sharpsburg Ga., and Trisha (Ashly) Mentzer of Newnan Ga.;grandchildren Matalyn (Dylan) Rowe, William (Jerrica) Sturgis, Abigail (Jack) Carter, Reese Sevigny, Caleb Sevigny, Aftyn Mentzer, and Austin Mentzer, great-grandchildren Vera Rowe, Abram Rowe, and Freya Sturgis.
He was preceded in death by his parents; Lionel and Jeanette Sevigny, and siblings; Dick Sevigny, Gerald Sevigny, and Bill Sevigny.
A celebration of life will be planned for the summer of 2025 in Wayland.
