Gordon E. “Gordie” Navis, 79, died Sunday, Sept. 5, after a long struggle with cancer.
He worked at the General Motors – Kalamazoo plant and was the 63rd employee hired into the shop when it opened in 1966. He retired in 2001 with 35 years of service in tool and die.
He leaves behind his wife of 58 years, Mary Navis; his daughter and her husband, Terri and Alan Arbanas; special grandsons Ben Arbanas, Tom Arbanas, Dave Arbanas, Sam Arbanas, and Mike Arbanas. Also surviving are brothers Gale (Jan) Navis and Boyd (Chris) Navis.
He was preceded in death by his son, Jeff, in 1981 and his brothers Kenneth Navis and Stanley Navis.
A celebration of his life with visitation will be held from noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 12, at the United Church of Wayland, 411 E. Superior St., Wayland.
In lieu of flowers please consider Wings of Hope Hospice of Allegan or the building fund of the United Church of Wayland.
Sorry to see that Gordie has passed away. I always enjoyed seeing Gordie, though not much lately.
As a classmate of 1960 Hopkins High, our numbers are dwindling.