John Mcglashen

John Ted McGlashen, 66, of Battle Creek died peacefully on Saturday, January 25 surrounded by an adoring family, a gray sky dispensing a full and silent snowfall haunting in its perfection, and a fire that lit the darkness. He died a warrior, fully healed and welcomed into the arms of God, after a brutal and inspiring battle with cancer. John was born in Lapeer, Michigan to Ted – a WWII hero who then worked for decades in the Lapeer hardware store – and Genevieve McGlashen – who was by all accounts a saint. Genevieve and Ted passed away in 1990 and 2004 respectively. Their stamp on John’s life was unmistakable: humility, a rigid practicality, a love for hunting and the outdoors, love of family… and food, and many other things. John was an avid outdoor sportsman. Deer. Turkey. Birds. Whatever. He was also a standout athlete in other sports. He was a first team all-conference defensive back at Lapeer High School and earned a scholarship to play at Olivet College. A favorite football story of John’s was of an Olivet teammate of questionable stability named “Peanut” who believed that you could tackle someone just hard enough in just the right spot to literally split them in two. John was a second degree black belt in Taekwondo, played semi-professional hockey in Canada, coached several of his sons’ summer baseball teams, and coached a ladies’ city softball team. Professionally, John had several careers. He was first a service provider for the developmentally disabled, then worked in the insurance industry for several companies over many years before beginning a partnership in his own agency. After the sale of the agency and enduring several challenges, John began working at Larry’s Paint Spot in Battle Creek where he would become a manager and eventually retire from, family has pointed out, a remarkably similar profession to that of his hero. He was the fourth in line with eight other McGlashen children, with whom John was immeasurably proud to share a name, and all of whom survive: Joanne Ruddock (Dave – who passed in 2017 and whose death was extremely painful for John having been best friends and hunting buddies for decades) of Lapeer, Alan of Lapeer, Lindsey (Melissa) of Davison, Tom (Michelle) of Boise, ID, Mary of Lansing, Marjorie Dobos (Joe) of Lapeer, Jeannie Romero (Art) of Albuquerque, NM, and Michael (Kelly) of Ann Arbor. He is also survived by Sisters and Brothers-in-Law Laurie McGlashen of Davison, Ruth Cruce (Al) of Grand Rapids, Bruce Warren (Pam) of Marshall, Mike Warren (Patty) of Battle Creek, Lee Warren (Shannon) of Coldwater, and Dale Warren (Jan) of Phoenix, AZ, and 29 nieces and nephews. John leaves behind his loving wife, the former Donna Warren, whom he was very lucky to marry in February of 2006 after waiting far too long to do so, according to everyone, including John. The two were a perfect match in every imaginable way. They shared great experiences hunting, golfing, going to kids’ sports games and performances, training and hunting with their beloved dogs, and much more. They were each other’s most loyal and loving companion, as evidenced by Donna’s awe-inspiring selfless daily caregiving throughout John’s 2 ½-year bout with cancer. The families were perfectly matched too. The Warren clan welcomed John on trips to the cherished family cabin in Grayling, fishing trips to Canada, to September bird camp (John’s favorite), and to Monday poker nights that John, always the competitor, took too seriously. John fit with the Warrens like a glove, except on one occasion - when his perfectly matched maize and blue propane tank was sloppily painted-over with toxic green and white paint (reinforcing the accuracy of “little brother”). It took time, but both the tank and John’s relationship with the family fully recovered. While the moment of his departure was long expected due to the severity of his illness, John leaves behind four absolutely devastated children, all of whom know their Dad believed in them with every fiber of his being: Brandon “B.J.” (Rachel) of Ann Arbor, Jordan of Ypsilanti, Collin (Nicole) of El Cajon, CA, and Kaitlin soon-to-be Zanier (Mike) of Canton whom, even into her thirties, John greeted with an excitedly high pitched “Hiiii Honey” whenever she called. He was so happy for Kaitlin and wanted desperately to make it to her wedding on March 20. It was not to be. John also leaves behind five grandchildren (Kellen John, Yale John, Lillian, Eleanor, and Virginia). In accordance with his wishes cremation has taken place. A mass of remembrance will take place on Tuesday, February 11 at 11:00 A.M. at St. Joseph Catholic Church (61 23rd Street N. in Battle Creek) where John was a member. A luncheon will follow the mass to which all attendees are invited. www.henryfuneralhome.org