Tony Lordson, age 82, long time resident of Rapid River went to join the Lord Jesus Christ on Saturday, May 30, 2020. He passed peacefully at home surrounded by his loved ones.
Tony was born April 5, 1938 in Pickford, Michigan, the son of Ellsworth and Rena (Beacom) Lordson. He was united in marriage to Lois Harrison on December 17, 1955 in Simmons Settlement on the Eastern end of the Upper Peninsula.
Tony was always in the construction industry as a young man. He was well known for being a co-owner of the Chicago Riding Stable on Mackinac Island. Later he became an Operating Engineer, Local 324, spending 47 years in the Union. Tony retired from operating cranes and took up Ginseng Farming with his son Joe. More recently his youngest son, Robert, has been lending a hand on the Ginseng Farm. The Ginseng Farm has been the center of their lives with family surrounding Tony on a daily basis. Better known as Papa Tony by his grandchildren, he was well known for doting on them. One of his favorite things to do with the grandchildren was to take them to the Donut Connection and the Rapid River Dairy Flow. Tony lived on Lake Michigan where he loved to watch the eagles and ducks and sand hill cranes. His heart was at rest watching everything that Lake Michigan had to offer.
Tony is survived by his wife Lois of 64 years; his children, Danny (Janet) Lordson, Joe Lordson, Dana (Lynn) Lordson, Robert (Jenny) Lordson, Sharri (Rye) Lordson and Julie (Matt) Hoffmeyer, with a special mention to granddaughter Kristin Lordson; 30 grandchildren, 33 great grandchildren (give or take a couple); his brother Bob (Colleen) Lordson, his sister Marion Miller, sister-in-laws Vera Harrison and Marie Grogan and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents Ellsworth and Rena Lordson, grandson, Daniel Lordson, brother, Al Lordson and brother-in-laws Gene Harrison, John Harrison, David Harrison, and Jim Miller.
A private memorial, A Celebration of a Farmers Life, for Tony will be held at the convenience of the family. He will be laid to rest in the Perkins Cemetery.
Mary Jane Mills - Bel Air,Md, Md
Had the pleasure of meeting Papa Tony 3 years ago while doing a road trip with Papa Tony’s grandson David and wife Abigail Friets,we visited many of the relatives and they graciously hosted us for meals and gatherings,we got to see the beautiful part of Upper Penisula of Michigan.The countryside of Michigan was quite different from Maryland which is where we are from I was fascinated with many different pine trees,I am so happy we got to meet this fine gentleman and his lovely wife and family.With Loving Memories Mary Jane (Ging)
Sandy Sovey - Bark-River, MI
I’m so sorry to hear about Tony. He was a good friend to my Dad Charlie Irving and our whole family loved when he stopped by. He always recognized us when we ran into him too which always amazed me. Take care!
Dave Whyte - Sault Ste. Marie, MI
So sorry to hear of Tony’ passing. We were friends in high school and may have done a few things teenagers do, that they use for “learned” advice for our children. Enjoyed hearing about the wonderful full life he was privileged to have. My prayers and thoughts to his family.
Andrea - LaGrange, IN
I have many memories with Tony and the family growing up part time on the Lordson homestead outside Pickford. A lot of good times, great memories and good man who will be missed 🙁
Andrea (Lordson) Perry
Daughter of Francis Lordson
Michele Johnston - Escanaba, MI
What a wonderful man. He will be missed by so many. I had the pleasure of knowing this great man and loved him like a father. Rest in peace sweet man. Prayers to his family.
Cheyenne - Marquette, Mi
Growing up next to Robert and Jenny you never knew which cousin or relative would be popping up. When I first met him he asked me which kid I was . He was always so kind to me. I am thankful I had the pleasure of meeting him. He will definitely be missed.
Honey Vandecaveye - Perkins, Mi
Tony and Lois was our NEIGBOR , what a fine hard working man he was , Had Beauitful Blue eyes . He will be missed by anyone that new him .
Paul Sved - St. Ignace,, MI
I knew Tony since the late sixties when he ran the Chicago Riding Stable on Mackinac Island and visited with he and Lois
many times at one of his homes west of Pickford. Tony was hard working and a good friend and would give you the shirt
off of his back. Sadly, since he moved to Rapid River I lost touch with him, always thinking that one day we would get
together again.
Our deepest sympathy to Lois and family
Debbie Carr St Onge - Cedarville, MI
The Lordson family and mine were great friends as I grew up in Cedarville spent many hours around their resort on Lake Huron. Great family memories of time with Al and Rena with my parents.
Harold Anderson & family - Brampton, MI
To the family of a very nice man, Tony Lordson.
Just thinking of Tony the other day and then a couple hours later learned that he had passed away. He will be greatly missed & remembered.
It does help to know that others care, so we want to send our sincere thoughts & condolences.
We used to eat our lunches together when we were working at Quinnesec, though we worked for different contractors.
Tony Lordson’s Family - Escanaba, MI
We would just like to reach out and say thank you to each of your tributes to our Father. He was a remarkable man. An amazing husband, and an incredible Father. To each of us, the names are known and familiar in one way or another. Dad was full of adventure. He led an amazing life. Since his retirement from the Operators Union, he has spent many wonderful years working his Ginseng Farm. Living on Lake Michigan was pure enjoyment for him, as well as the many years spent during the winter months in Texas.
Dad was larger than life to so many of us. It is hard for us to believe that he is not here with us. It has been a little over a month since he departed, and yet still so fresh on our minds and in our hearts. He was a remarkable man.