Birth date: Dec 16, 1944 Death date: Feb 13, 2021
Lynn Howard DeGrow, age 76, of Charlevoix, MI passed away on Saturday, February 13 2021, surrounded by his family. Born on December 16, 1944, in North Branch, MI, Lynn was the son of the late Hollis and Edith (Seelye) DeGrow. He m Read Obituary
To Lynn's Family,
I knew all of you back in North Branch. My father, Steve Tatar, worked for Holly during the 50's. That position was instrumental for my father becoming a finish carpenter and stone mason.
My sympathies to all of you. I know what it is like to lose your father and your sibling. My prayers for all of you.
Betty Tatar Wiseman
Photos from Coast Guard Academy Yearbook 1967.
My sincere condolences to the Degrow Family. I was honored to have Lynn as a classmate, USCG Academy, Class of '67. He was a solid and reliable friend.
George J. (Jim) Sepel
Juneau, Alaska
The DeGrow family came to visit us in Western Canada on a few occasions. One memorable visit found Lynn venturing to Alberta alone. Our daughter, Whitney was working at Rafter 6 Guest Ranch and asked Lynn if he would be interested in a dude ride or an adventure ride in the Rockies. Of course, Lynn jumped at adventure. As Sandy and I dutifully headed east to work, Lynn and Whitney went west to explore the mountains on horseback.
Later, that day when we arrived home, we saw the balcony railing covered with dripping wet clothes. "Oh, this can't be good!" Well it seems the ride Whitney had in mind included standing on top of your saddles and swimming the horses across the Kananaskis River. This is quite a feat -- the glacier fed Kananaskis River is no lazy stream. Just the opposite, it is where the Canadian Olympic White Water Kayak team train.
So what we found were two happy riders, more than willing to share stories of their riding adventure. Lynn was smiling from ear to ear, as usual. A special day in a life well lived.
Our heartfelt condolences. He will be missed!
Steve, Sandy & Whitney
Lynn was a Coast Guard Academy classmate and a shipmate aboard the USCGC BIBB. He was also a friend who, despite the occasional nature of our communications, he made it feel that we could always pick up where we left off.
During the long deployment of the BIBB to Viet Nam I appreciated Lynn's professionalism and his great sense of humor.
The way that he handled the multiple challenges he faced over the past few years was inspiring and it showed his true strength of character. He will be missed.
From the Coast Guard Hymn
Eternal Father, Lord of hosts, Watch o'er all those who guard our coasts Protect them from the raging seas And give them light and life and peace. Grant them from thy great throne above The shield and shelter of thy love.
Dear DeGrow family: I am so sorry for your loss. As you know Lynn was my boss for many years at the Beaver Island Boat Company and he always spoke highly of you; rightly so. I always respected and trusted him and he was instrumental in bringing the new Emerald Isle into being. We had many good days together. I have thought of you kids many times through the years and your employment and friendship. You were all great assets for BIBCO. If you ever get around Beaver Island please look me up. Take care. Kevin McDonough Captain (retired)
Lynn and I are cousins. My grandmother was a DeGrow and a sister to Lynn's father. We talked often about being related. A great man! I shall miss himn.
My heart is aching some more. I was thinking the other day of your mom/dad.Was hoping they had headed south again to beat the winter. I have lost touch with old friends through the loss of Bob. I didn't hear you had lost mom and now dad. Well, what wonderful times we all spent together over SO MANY years as families. Such memories after our Boyne skiing trip each year to stop and stay at the farm for family friendship and fun.Ohio adventures here with the Whites too. Bob/I had stopped to see your mom/dad in August, 2013 with our grandkids as we were at Mackinac Island with them. You may not know that he passed on August 28, 2013. Memories will sustain you as you were always shown unconditional love and respect by that special couple.Both strong willed with a passion for life and each other.God Bless each of you!
Hello my family from another mother...I appreciate all the kindness Lynn showed me and lessons he taught me. Like not sticking my finger in the hole of a sail boat and that if you do said dumb thing that it is a necessity to walk the entire way back to the house with your finger in the air over your head ....and that you don't need to tell your mother that it happened. Another lesson learned was a bet is a bet...I have memories of coin flips for a pop from the hardware days and just because you maybe a kid you always need to keep your word. There are many more memories but those are the few that stick out for me.
