GREGORY WAYNE ALTMAN

Greg Altman passed peacefully in the early evening hours of March 29, taken from us suddenly after a prolonged period of illness, at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit.

Born Aug. 22, 1957, in Empire, to parents Jerald and Margaret Altman, Greg affectionately referred to himself as a “military brat” as his family was always moving from base to base; though he had many hometowns throughout this time, he finished high school in the Oscoda area and thus always had a special place in his heart for Northern Michigan. From 1977 to 1985, Greg proudly served in the United States Air Force, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. He went on to study Sociology at Central Michigan University, earning his Master’s Degree and meeting his beloved wife, Bonnie. They married in 1989, then moved to the Alpena area where he would apply himself to helping the community through his work in addiction therapy, alternative sentencing, serving on the Alpena School Board, and volunteering time and energy to charitable musical endeavors. Most of all, Greg was a husband and a father, and proud of both roles.

Greg was an avid naturist, enjoying such activities as hunting, fishing, golfing, river kayaking, and bird-watching. He loved watching sports, and always had time for a good movie. His true passion, however, was music. A self-taught guitarist who styled himself “The John Denver of the North” after his wife’s affectionate suggestion, Greg loved playing no matter the audience – on stage for the public or at home for his family, Greg was happiest strumming and singing. His band, Music Four You, became known throughout the area for playing feel-good classics as well as for their work promoting music therapy for the elderly. Greg’s collaborative spirit in music was felt by many local musicians, and the friendships he formed through this were some of his most cherished.

Greg is survived by his loving wife, Bonnie, and cherished son, Patrick. But he was many things to many people, among them: Nicholas Hutchinson, Rebecca Hutchinson, Josh Plower (father to); Beckie Durfee-Goodrich and Scott Durfee (step-father to); Hailey, Bruno, Sierra, Naveah, Cyrus, Braelyn, Cailan (grandfather to); Mike and MaryAnn Altman, Ann Macdonald, Cathy Shipp, Mark Altman, JoAn and Jamie Hohmann, Jeanie Altman, and Christine Altman (brother to); Linda and Reed Woodruff, Melodee and Pat Marceau, Mike and Cheryl Jaskolski (brother-in-law to); as well as many nieces and nephews from both sides of the family. And so many wonderful friends across the country.

A celebration of his life will be held on a later date, to be announced as the weather warms and our hearts come to terms with this tremendous loss. Arrangements have been cared for by McWilliams Funeral Home.