Raymond W. Gibbons
December 10, 1951 – March 1, 2025
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Raymond (Ray) W. Gibbons, 73, of Curtis, Michigan. Ray was born on December 10, 1951 in Detroit and passed away peacefully on March 1, 2025, with family at his side.
Ray was a man of many talents, while still in school, he was an entrepreneur shoveling snow and delivering newspapers. One of his first endeavors took him into the printing industry, where he learned many aspects from his dad. He segued into farming, operating farms in both lower Michigan and Minnesota. Ray found a love of flying, getting his pilot’s license and flying as often as he was able. Onto the next adventure, Ray and his family found their way back to Detroit where he started in the construction industry. He worked his way up learning cabinetry and building from his Uncle Doug. Ready to leave the bustle of the city, the UP was calling. Moving north to Curtis, Ray thrived as a builder, founding Blaney Woodworks, using his sharp eye and artistic abilities to build and remodel. A project near and dear to his heart is when he took on the Falls Hotel. After his gamble with the Falls Hotel he was able to focus on his final position as Superintendent of Maintenance at Gordon’s Resort. These achievements are only the tip of the iceberg of Ray’s career, he was very accomplished in so many other areas. He enjoyed his time in Curtis, always keeping busy with he and Sally’s many friends, projects and pastimes.
Ray is survived by his loving wife, Sally (nee: Gordon), whom he shared many adventures with during their 30 years together. They always brought out the fun in each other and supported each other from the start. He is survived by his sisters Sue Gibbons (partner, John Kangas) and Lynn (Rick) Paul and their families.
He is also survived by two children from his first marriage, two step-children, their spouses, nine grandchildren, and two great grandchildren. This includes his daughter, Angela (Joe) Jerinic and son Joseph (Mindy) Gibbons as well as his step-children Joy (Danny) Mouch and Josh (Nicole) Martindale. Grandchildren Lilliana, Layla, Marko Jerinic, Katrina, Joey, Ryker Gibbons, Chase, Cody Mouch, Marina, River, Pearl, Coral Martindale and newly added great grandchildren, Hudson and Lainey Mouch.
A gathering of family and friends will take place Thursday, March 6, 2025 from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm at the Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry. Funeral services celebrating the life of Ray will follow at 2:00 pm at the funeral home with Pastor Ray White, of the Curtis Baptist Church, officiating. The celebration of life will continue following funeral services at The Shipwreck in Curtis. Interment will take place in the spring of 2025 at the Woodlawn Cemetery in Curtis.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Three Lakes Academy, W17540 Main Street, Curtis, Michigan 49820 in Ray’s loving memory.
Ray will be missed by all who knew him.
Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com. Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
H. James McCormick
October 6, 1945 – February 27, 2025
Former Newberry resident, Harry James McCormick, 79, died Thursday afternoon, February 27, 2025 at Eastwood Nursing Home in Negaunee.
Born October 6, 1945 in Escanaba, son of the late Archie and Goldie (McNamara) McCormick, James married the former Gail Case on June 1, 1987 in Newberry.
During his lifetime, James held several employments most notably as a logger for 24 years and at the Louisiana Pacific Corp. for 10 years. James was a former member of the F.O.E. Aerie #3701 and enjoyed hunting and fishing.
In addition to his parents, James is preceded in death by his sister Mona Bruce and brother-in-law Earl “Hutch” Hutchinson.
Survivors include his loving wife, Gail, of Marquette; daughter Cassie (Joe) McCormick of Negaunee and step-son Ray (Amanda) Fair of Newberry; grandchildren Devin, Olivia, Owen, Jude and James; siblings Roy (Gail) McCormick of Marquette, Bernard (Sharon) McCormick of Lewisville, Texas and Dale (Vickie) McCormick of Newberry; sister-in-law Donna Hutchinson of Escanaba; several nieces and nephews.
Per request, cremation services were accorded. A gathering of family and friends celebrating the life of James will be held at a later date.
Memorials may be directed to his loving family in his memory.
Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com.
Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
John G. “Dobe” Fair
January 30, 1947 – March 1, 2025
John Gerald Fair 78, of Champion MI, longtime Newberry resident, passed away Saturday March 1, 2025 at UP Health System Marquette, from complications due to Kidney disease. He fought a hard battle for several years and is finally at peace.
John was born January 30, 1947 in Newberry MI to James Leo and Marion Ruth (Kropp) Fair. He graduated from Newberry High school, Class of 1965.
John and Rita Oberle were united in marriage at St. Gregory’s Catholic Church in Newberry, MI on March 21, 1970. They would have celebrated 55 years together.
John was lovingly known by his family and friends as Dobe. He was a skilled mechanic with a love for classic cars. He spent many hours working on cars and attending car shows and racing events. Many will remember Dobe for the muscle cars he built and the trouble he caused with them.
Dobe was an electrician by trade but was mostly known for being a jack-of-all-trades. He could build and fix almost anything. Dobe was very proud of the family hunting camp he built in 1989 with the help of his lifelong friend and hunting partner, Bub Taylor. He was an avid outdoorsman who greatly enjoyed time spent hunting and fishing.
Surviving are his wife: Rita Fair; daughters: Lissa Fair and Tammy (Jason) Hendrickson; son: John Fair; sister: Myrna Eggleston; sisters-in-law: Gayle Rogers, Arlene House, Ellen Spargo, Louisa Clasman, Merry Watts, and Josephine Fuller; brother-in-law: Louis (Krystal) Oberle; grandchildren: Tristin Franklin, Austin Fair, Skyler Franklin, Caitlyn Hendrickson, Chandler Galor, Kylie Johnson and Remie Fair; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was proceeded in death by his parents: James and Marion Fair; in-laws: Gordon (Betty) Oberle and Patricia (Leo) Demarest; brothers: Gary Fair and Jimmy Fair; brothers-in-law: Don Eggleston and Lauren Oberle; and granddaughter: Everleigh Vera Marie Fair.
Family would like to express a special thanks to all Dobe’s friends who took moments out of their days to spend time helping and visiting with him. It really meant the world to him.
A celebration of John’s life will be held in Newberry at a later date.
John’s memorial page may be viewed at Koskeyfuneralhome.com.
