Died September 5, 2024 SUTTONS BAY – Clifford George LaCross, 88, of Suttons Bay, passed away on Thursday, September 5, 2024 at Munson Medical Center.
George was born March 24, 1936 in Hazel Park, MI the son of Clifford and Matilda (Mentier) LaCross.
George was a self made man who rolled up his sleeves to earn a living. He left home when he was just 16 on Christmas Eve 1952 with a bus ticket out of Traverse City. He arrived at his Uncle Frank’s in Hazel Park at 4 a.m. with 6 dollars and 30 cents to his name. He then moved in with his grandma who told him he needed to pay rent if he was going to live there, so George got a factory job.
He started a career with Consumers Energy where he had to lie about his age to get the job. He worked there into the 70’s, and left when he ventured back to Leelanau County, where he lived a happy 50+ years with his family.
Leelanau County folks will know George as your propane man. For years he operated Suttons Bay Bottled Gas and his familiar company truck, a converted fire truck that ran on propane. In addition to running his propane business he drove a bus for Suttons Bay Schools. At the end of the school year he would buy pops and chips and treat his students at the Suttons Bay Marina.
George was a hard working man, plowing snow during the winters. He also started and operated the first laundromat in SuttonsBayaswellasapoolhall. He was an avid car collector and loved country music. He took pride in his lawn and cherry orchard. George was a sharp dressed man —especially when he and his lady, Jacque would head to the casino to try their luck, with many trips to Las Vegas. He was always good for a story, a light hearted joke and a “bang and a beer” in his garage bar.
George loved to share a laugh with anyone needing it. George spent as much time as he could watching his grandchildren in sports, at birthdays, the holidays, or whenever he could get them all together. When they were together, he’d tell his life stories and have everyone laughing at his infamous jokes.
George is survived by “Baby Doll” Jacque Abby, his two children, Jody (Raz) LaCross, Jeffrey (Lisa) LaCross, a sister, Beverly LaCross, a sister in law, Cassandra LaCross, a son in law, Greg Porritt; his grandchildren, Nathan (Tori) Porritt, Lindsey Porritt Matro, Nicholas Porritt, Logan (Kayla) LaCross, Alexandra LaCross, Jennifer LaCross, Karrigan LaCross, and two great grandchildren, Madison Matro and Emmett Porritt.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter, Patricia Joy Porritt; and a brother, Joseph W. LaCross.
Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, September 20th at the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay. The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 21st with the family greeting friends at 10:00 a.m. also at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Suttons Bay Township Cemetery. Deacon Martin Korson will officiate.
Memorials may be directed to Salvation Army, 1239 Barlow Street, Traverse City, MI 49686.
Please share condolences with the family at www.martinson.info Arrangements are with the Martinson’s Funeral Home and Cremationon Services of Leelanau.
