John H. Waltman

A rare, one-of-a-kind intense character. John lived his 82 yrs in a most interestingly chaotic, constantly one the move, opportunistic and unique life always on his terms, his own set of rules and beat of his own drum - which, if it could be heard would sound like the pulsing intro of a Johnny Cash song. To create John you would need the swagger of John Wayne, the greaser street wise cool of The Fonz, the personality of Archie Bunker and according to John himself he had the adorable looks of Tony Curtis and the gangster acumen of John Dillinger.

There was never a dull moment when he was around as John never met a person he didn't seek to charm, agitate, harass, manipulate, dominate, cheat, lie to, defraud or abuse. He fiercely commanded loyalty from anyone in his circle. His hobbies included gardening, relentlessly cruising around town, and joyfully scheming of ways to torture anyone who he perceived stood in his way or wouldn't do his bidding. He especially enjoyed showering each of his family members with heaps of torment, while still managing to be "the entertaining uncle". Having a natural mechanical mind, he was a gifted inventor. He held many successfully approved patents in the commercial barbeque industry of which he lost in lawsuits against him due to above stated traits. His best qualities were as a consummate grill master, a showman who enjoyed being the center of attention, and a dedicated GOP Republican "kingmaker" in local politics who never missed campaigning and tending the polls at election time; he had an almost supernatural green thumb and love of saving trees and rocks of which he would rehome in his landscaping work that can be witnessed on lakefront properties all around the Metro Detroit area. He was a charismatic hard core addictive gambling man who enjoyed blowing his wealth at Casino poker tables and lotto machines. John loved his Copenhagen chaw, pots of black coffee, doughnuts by the dozen, gathering and cracking black walnuts, watching Michigan lightning storms, old Cowboy movies, car shows, Woodward Cruise, and bathing in Old Spice aftershave. He was known for doing charitable cookouts for many organizations in his community.

He leaves a surviving daughter Wendy (Jason), granddaughter Noelle, sister Joyce, many nieces and nephews. John was predeceased of his late parents Charles and Lorena, widowed of a long-suffering loyal wife of 44 yrs Caroline Louise aka "Tootie", late brothers Charles (Sue), Melvin, Jerry (Cheryl), late brother-in-law Rick, and his late son John C.

We bid final goodbye to "Johnny", The Gambler, who in his last day broke even, and as the Kenny Roger's song goes, "was out of aces", and "the best you can hope for is to die in your sleep." Somehow, he managed in his luck to always beat the odds, this time the house won the hand, to which he laid his cards on the table and knew he was out of aces. John passed away peacefully under sedation while on life support. He had been frail and in poor health for some time. Our gratitude to the ICU palliative care team who compassionately tended to his care in his last moments. Exceptional love and gratitude to his nephews Tom and Ritchie for being there to support in John's last moments.
Being an atheist, he had made it known he did not want anything religious, a viewing or funeral, we are honoring his last wishes. He made arrangements for cremation and internment. If you do wish to honor his life and passing, please go out in your back yard, sit under a tree, grill some ribs, dip some snuff and watch the sunset.

His family would like to acknowledge that he treated many poorly and they have a right to their feelings about him.  We would also extend a note of gratitude to those who were tolerant and kind to him in his later years. Especially a note of thanks to Henry, Roger, Tammy, Harvey and wife, Paul, Brent, Mary, Mary, Bonnie, Andi, Steve.