Frequent local triker Karl Pitkin passes at age 87

Karl Pitkin, well known in the Wayland community for riding his three-wheeled tricycle around town, died Saturday, Nov. 26. He was 87.

Karl was a simple man who enjoyed simple pleasures. He spent his retirement of 22 years driving around and talking to people he met along the way on a three-wheel vehicle.

He pedaled that bike for more than 1000 miles a year. If you didn’t know him as “Karl,” you knew him as the old man who rode his trike through all types of weather.

He was a frequent and welcome guest at Mill Street Apartments, University of Michigan Health-West Hospital, the Laurels of Sandy Creek in Wayland, and Wayland EMS.

He is survived by his three sons Rodger (Suzanne), Ronald (Micki), and John (Tiffany); grandchildren Patrick, Jessica, Sean (Coralea), Emmalea; great-grandson, Marshall; many nieces, nephews; and special friends Keith and Anthony.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Lucille Pitkin. and all of his sisters: Connie, Delores, and Virginia.

Per Karl’s wishes, there will be no funeral service. His cremains will be interred in Flint Memorial Gardens in the springtime.

1 Comment

  1. Sad to hear this.Every time I would see Karl , I thought that’s a guy who likes to stay in shape and enjoy being outside. I would see him in the snow and freezing cold but that didn’t stop him. So keep on biking Karl on your next venture.

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