Clifford Tyner

Clifford Wilson Tyner, age 80, lifelong resident of Neebish Island, Michigan passed away early Tuesday morning, January 8, 2008 at his home after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born October 19, 1927 in Chesaning, Michigan. Clifford graduated from Sault Area High School with the class of 1946, and held a Masters License from the Great Lakes Maritime College. He served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War. He was 3rd mate on the freighters with U.S. Steel for 10 years. He was half Owner/Captain of the Neebish Islander 1 for 40 years. Clifford was also the owner of the Neebish Equipment Co. He built and maintained roads on Neebish Island for 30 years. His expertise was often sought regarding St. Mary's river conditions by U.S.Coast Guard, Corp. of Engineers and National Guard. Clifford was also a member of the Ship Masters, VFW, NRA and the American Legion. Clifford was a man of many talents and interests. He loved learning and lived life with a passion. Family was one of most important things to him whether he was teaching or mentoring us. Traditions he handed down to us were making maple syrup, life according to ferry time, hunting, gardening, storytelling and a love for the outdoors. He enjoyed watching the freighters that went by his home daily and was very proud of his family. Clifford is survived by his wife of 56 years; Dorothy Marie (Miller) Tyner, two sons; Richard D. (Linda) Tyner of Baxter, MN and Russell W. (Lori) Tyner of Neebish Island, MI, six grandchildren; Lyric (Jeff) Hassler, Harmony Tyner, Nathaniel Tyner, Justin Tyner, Courtney Tyner and Hunter Tyner, and one great-grandchild; Baby girl Hassler, due in April 2008. He is also survived by a brother; Norman Wilson of Macomb Twp, MI, three half-brothers, three half-sisters and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; Howard and Mary (Wilson) Tyner, a daughter; Gayle E. Tyner, sister; Ruth Sammut, and a brother George C. Wilson. A Memorial service will be held at 3:00 PM on Saturday, January 12, 2008 at C.S. Mulder Funeral Home. Friends may call at the funeral home from 1:00 PM until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers memorials may be left to Hospice of Chippewa County, or Mayo Clinic, 200 First St. SW, Rochester, MN 55905 ATTN: Cancer Research (with checks payable to: Mayo Clinic).

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Clifford Tyner

October 19, 1927 - January 8, 2008