John David Dobbie

John David Dobbie, 86, of Portage, MI passed away Wednesday, August 7, 2013. He was born on December 27, 1926 in Detroit, Michigan, the youngest of three sons of the late Herbert R. Dobbie and Elsie May Maxwell Dobbie. John married Janice Elaine Holmes, his high school sweetheart, on August 31, 1946. While earning a B.A. degree at Western Michigan University (1950), John began his career with the Kalamazoo Gazette as a circulation department manager. He later joined the Equitable Life Assurance Society working in sales and then as District Manager. By 1972, John joined the Upjohn Company where he served in several capacities as Employee Benefits Administrator, Employee Counselor/Ombudsman, and Employee Relations Administrator before retiring in April 1990. John enjoyed traveling, golf, spending time with family and friends, and volunteering in the community. He really cared for others and consequently everyone felt they were especially important to him. He was also known for his gentle sense of humor. John was a founding member of Westminster Presbyterian Church and was one of the original elders. He remained an active member until his death. Jan preceded John in death in August 2005 after 59 years of marriage. In May 2007, John married Elizabeth Louise Kammeraad who also preceded him in death in April 2012. John is survived by his children, Barbara (James) Wolverton, Brian (Maureen) Dobbie, and Nancy (Joseph) Hitson, grandchildren David (Shayla) Dobbie, Will (Crystal) Dobbie, Jonathan (Kelly) Dobbie, Kyle (Emily) Hitson, Kathleen Hitson, Jim (Lynn) Wolverton, and Tracy (Mike) Boelman. He is also survived by brother Clyde Dobbie, several nieces, nephews, and friends. A memorial service will be held at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Saturday, August 24, 2013, beginning at 11:00 AM. Visitation will take place at 10:00 AM, one hour prior to the service. A private internment will take place at a later date. Memorials may be made to Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan, Kalamazoo Loaves and Fishes, or Special Olympics Kalamazoo Area 16. Memories and condolences may be left at www.avinkcremation.com.