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ELBERT HEATH

Elbert Heath, 89, of Alpena, passed away Saturday, Feb. 15, 2020 at Turning Brook.

Elbert was born Nov. 11, 1930 to the late Elbert and Mildred (Johnson) Heath in Menominee, Michigan. Elbert attended the Merchant Marine Academy in Mississippi. He married Audrey Fretty in 1951 when they attended the Milwaukee State Teachers College.

Mr. Heath is survived by his wife of 68 years; five children, Lee Stern, of Utah, Gary (Gwen) Heath, of Wisconsin, Cory (Randy) Heath, of Massachusetts, Heidi (Paul) Wright, of Illinois, Brian (Deanne) Heath, of Florida; nine grandchildren, Jered, Joshua, Sarah, Kristin, Melissa, Adam, Sawyer, Seth, Jamie; 12 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren. Elbert’s siblings include Marlay Barbee, of Florida, Charles Heath, of Wisconsin, and James (Bonnie) Heath, of Florida. Mr. Heath was preceded by a grandson, Jack.

Elbert was a dedicated church and community volunteer. His activities included the following: an active member of Trinity Episcopal Church, a lay reader and eucharistic visitor; served on the Chamber of Commerce Board; started Junior Achievements in Alpena; board member of the Jesse Besser Museum; chaired Alpena United Way campaign; member of Northeast Michigan Community Foundation. He also chaired the education committee leading to the “new” Lincoln School; devoted Rotarian – president, district governor, facilitated Rotary financing of a classroom and restroom in Tanzania, Africa and facilitated the donation of Island Mill to Rotary by the Fletcher Paper Co.

Elbert retired from Fletcher Paper Co. as Sales and Marketing Manager in 1993.

Elbert Heath was a member of MENSA and a true renaissance man with a variety of talents and interests. These included birding, traveling to 57 countries, photography, painting, bird pin carving, model ship building, stamp and coin collecting, genealogy, music, art, designing houses and much more.

Memorial visitation will take place on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2020 at Trinity Episcopal Church from 10 a.m. until the time of the memorial service at noon with the Very Rev. William J. McClure, Jr. officiating. Arrangements have been handled by the Bannan Funeral Home.

Memorials may be given to Trinity Episcopal Church or Hospice of Michigan.