Alan C. Near

Alan C. Near, age 70, of Johannesburg, MI, died peacefully Wednesday, February 7, 2018 following the heart-breaking loss of his Aunt, Billie (Boyer) Stoner. A private family memorial service will be held later this summer with ashes to be cast upon the Au Sable River and a final lake side burial in the Great Lakes National Cemetery, Holly, MI. Alan was born in Flint, MI on June 9, 1947 to Leon G. and Dona (Boyer) Near of Holly, MI. He enlisted and served in the U.S. Army earning a National Defense Service Medal. Alan was preceded in death by both his parents. He is survived by his two sons, Brian (Mitzi) Near of Cumming, GA, and Ryan (Crystal) Near of Davisburg, MI; and 4 grandchildren: Brandon, Lauren, Maddox and Hudson. Alan is further survived by his sister, Francis (Robert) Brendel of Davisburg, MI; uncle Cam, Aunt Skip, several cousins and many dear friends. Alan was happiest in the Northern Michigan woods where he loved hunting, trapping, fishing, canoeing (finishing as high as 5th in the Au Sable River Canoe Marathon), picking mushrooms, and playing cards with 5 quarters and cribbage as favorites. Memorial donations in memory of Alan Near may be made to the Disabled American Veterans, Wounded Warrior Project, or to the family. Arrangements are by Gaylord Community Funeral Home & Cremation Service.  Please share your memories and personal messages with the family at www.gaylordfuneralhome.com