NORTHPORT- John W. Travis, 94, passed away peacefully at home on July 10, 2024, just 11 days shy of his 95th birthday.

John was born on July 21, 1929, in Ft Wayne, IN, the only child of Ralph R and Helen E (Sanborn) Travis. The family moved briefly to Iowa, before returning permanently to Traverse City.

John attended Traverse City Public Schools and graduated in 1947. He went to Taylor University in Marion, IN for his undergraduate degree in Education, attending from 1947 – 1951. He also attended Michigan State University for his advanced degrees in Education. During this time, John was drafted into the service during the Korean War, and spent two years at Ft Knox, KY. John taught for one year in Dearborn, MI, and then taught for one year in Northport before becoming Northport’s Superintendent from 19581968. He then transferred to the Traverse City School District as an administrator for the remainder of his career, 19681992 while continuing to reside with his family in Northport. As a young man, John worked at Hamilton’s Clothing Shop for many years and also drove the 1948 Ford Dune Car #9 at Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes.

In Northport, John was very active in Trinity Church, and sang in the choir for many years. He was also Church Moderator for a time. When the marina break wall was being built, John was a volunteer, helping with sealing the breakwall. He also helped with Braman Hill becoming the village ski hill. His favorite pastimes were reading and listening to jazz. John and Helena also enjoyed golf and taking several cruises after retirement.

John is survived by his wife of 66 years, Helena (Hayward), children John (Rebecca) and Mary (David) Fryc; grandchildren, Korinne, Kendall and Liam Travis, and Daniel (Meghan) Fryc and Robyn Fryc; and cousins Shirley Eckerle and Elma Collins and their families.

Donations in John’s memory can be made to Leelanau Township Community Foundation. www.leelanaufoundation. org. PO Box 818, Northport, MI 49670. 231-386-9000 A memorial service will be held at 12 p.m. on Saturday, July 27th at Trinity Church United Church of Christ in Northport.

Go now in Peace. Go now, together.

Create a space and cradle a place, where we all can come together.

Go now, alone, not lonely. Go now, alive, not just living.

Go as yourself, and rely on My help, til yourself, is yourself, for the giving.

Go now in Peace.

Please share condolences and memories with John’s family at www.martinson.info. Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Leelanau.