Joseph Paul Aird, age 87, of Gladstone, passed away Sunday, February 24, 2019, at his home in Gladstone.
Joe was born June 11, 1931, in Marquette, and raised in Big Bay, Mi., the son of Robin and Helen (Imeson) Aird. Joe was a graduate of the Bishop Baraga High School Class of 1949. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served during the Korean War. Joe was united in marriage to Donna M. Claus on June 15, 1957, they settled in Marquette. He worked for the Soo Line Railroad and was transferred to Gladstone in June of 1967.
In addition to his loving wife, Donna, he is survived by his children:
Judith (Daniel) Tamburrino of Auburn, NY
Rose (Garry Walsh) Aird-Minette of Buda, TX
Patrick (Kim) Aird of Niles, MI
Janet Aird of Gladstone, MI
Thomas Aird of San Diego, CA
Michael Aird of Hillsboro, NH
Russell (Mary) Aird of Gladstone, MI
Donald (Carol) Aird of Green Bay, WI
17 Grandchildren
4 Great Grandchildren
And many Nieces, Nephews, and Cousins
Joe enjoyed traveling with his wife Donna to visit their children and grandchildren and playing in cribbage tournaments around the country. Joe was an avid Detroit sports fan and he especially enjoyed the solitude of his camp.
Joe was an active member of All Saints Catholic Church for 52 years, he served for many years as lector and the church choir. He was a charter member of the Gladstone Knights of Columbus having served as Secretary and Grand Knight. Joe was a member of Gladstone American Legion. He was a Life Master in the American Cribbage Congress.
In addition to his Parents, Joe is preceded in death by:
2 Brothers: John and William Aird
Sister: Mary Beauchamp
Family will receive friends Friday, March 1, 2019 from 4:00 until 6:00 PM at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Blessed rosary will be conducted at 3:45 PM by the Knights of Columbus Brother Felix Council #2666. Military Honors will be presented at 5:45 PM by the Gladstone American Legion Post 71. Vigil Prayers will be recited at 6:00 PM at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for Saturday, March 2, 2019 at 11:00 AM at All Saints Catholic Church in Gladstone with Rev. Fr. Jamie Ziminski officiating. A luncheon will follow in the Parish hall.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to All Saints Church or Gladstone Senior Citizens Non-profit Corporation.
Joe will be laid to rest in the Fernwood Cemetery in Gladstone in the Spring.
Julie Brunette - Gladstone, MI
My sympathy to you and your family, Donna. ❤️
Jim and Kathy Grenfell - Gladstone, Mi
Donna and family, we are so sorry to hear of Joe’s passing. He was such a nice man. You are in our prayers.
Joseph Schram - Brugge, Belgium, BE
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Kathy - Gladstone , Mi
Donna
I am so sorry to hear of Joe passing. Many thoughts and prayers for you and you family.
Joe always had a friendly
‘hi Kathy’ whenever I saw him.I will always remember him
Sincerely
Kathy Martin
Elaine and Ron Kaminen - Littleton, CO
Our sympathies to the entire Aird family on the passing of Joe. I worked with Joe many times on the old DSS&A out of Marquette . He was one of the best railroad men that I worked during severe winter conditions. Always being safe, and sound when we got home.!! May he Rest in Peace.!!
ea
Laura (Savoie) DeAgostino - Lawrence , KS
Donna & family
I recall several years as I was growing up & spending lots of time with your wonderful family…back then it was like an extension of my own (strict Catholic parents working to create Christian Soldiers for Him). Many years spent keeping us teenage group of girls (Janet’s friends) “line in”.
Many great memories, my thoughts & prayers to you all
Sarah Hampton - Laurium, MI
Aunt Donna and family,
Many of my early childhood memories include Uncle Paul and my grandpa Aird playing a game of cribbage. “15-2, 15-4” and so on coming from the kitchen as they counted their hand. I never knew what it meant until I later learned how to play. I always heard of trips to Reno and the two of them playing in various tournaments. They had such a love for the game and I will forever think of the two of them when the game of cribbage is mentioned. Their loud, gruff voices made them seem so intimidating, however us grandchildren know what a softie they both truly were!
I always loved to hear Uncle Paul’s voice after my grandpa passed away, it was like I still had a little piece of him here on earth. They shared so many of the same mannerisms. Their love for their families was the one I admired the most. To know they are together again, probably with a cribbage board between them, leaves me with a sense of peace.
I pray that God’s loving grace is with you as you mourn the loss of such a wonderful man. He will forever be missed by all that knew him.
Sending my love,
Sarah and family
Mari.yn albrecht - Gladstone, MI
So sorry for your loss.
Sharron Apo - Sebastian, FL
WE are so sorry to read of Paul’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers for you, Donna & your family.
Ann Trotter - GREEN BAY, WI
Donna and family, Tony and I were so saddened to hear of Joes passing. Glad I got to play against him at the Green Bay tournament a couple of weekends ago (except, as usual, he beat me both times). Tony always speaks fondly of what an important role model he was for the mess of Trotter kids. I’m glad he loved doing what he liked, (playing cribbage), right till the end. What a great guy!
Emilio perez - Wsukegan, Il
Loved this guy! He was a great man and always a gentleman! My condolences to his family specially to his wife Donna.
John Sain - Ramsay, MI
My prayers are with you and your family Donna, Joe was a real Gentleman and great guy , the cribbage world lost a good one
michael Rowe - Soldotna, AK
What a gracious cribber, I was lloking forward to a match in Reno or Topaz Lodge, My condolences to Donna and his family
Peter Koski - Ishpeming, Mi
Donna and Family, prayers and thoughts are with you as you grieve the loss of Joe. It was always a pleasure to see you both at cribbage tournaments. Joe did what he loved and we are all going to miss him. He is now in a safe place because God is good all the time. Blessings to you.
Dale Magedanz - West Allis, WI
One of the nicest guy I ever sat across a cribbage board from. I loved playing against him and Donna, even though they usually beat me. RIP Joe.
Sandee (Sepic) Olson - Gladstone , MI
Our thoughts and prayers go out to our long time neighbors, the Aird family. Your dad/husband had such a great family! What a legacy!
Mary Briski - Fond du Lac, Wi
Donna & family, so sorry to hear of Joe’s passing. Tom & Mary Briski
Mary Bearss - Wyoming, MI
To all of Joe’s friends and family. So very very sorry for your loss. Joe was such a nice guy. I only met him a few times up in Watersmeet. Joe and Donna sat with my husband and I for lunch at the tournament. They both are great examples of not just great cribbage players, but great people. He will be missed by many. May he rest in Peace.
Rick Sain - Ironwood , MI
So sorry for your loss.Joe will be dearly missed.