"I was saddened to see Mr. Crist's obituary in the paper, but so enjoyed reading about his life. I knew him only as a bus driver to my brother and me, but since were the first ones on and the last ones off for years, we would often move to the front of the bus and chat with Mr. Crist. He was a calm, capable and dependable man, and because he didn't allow horse-play, he very seldom needed to discipline anyone. We always felt safe in his care. My sympathies to his family. "
In loving memory of
JAY R. CRIST
January 23, 1943 - March 29, 2022
Jay Crist passed away March 29th in the comfort of his loved ones from near and far. He leaves behind his loving wife Ruth, his 3 sons; Joe (Katherine), Scott, and Hamar who follow him in his passion for fishing; 10 grandchildren spread out around Michigan, Tennessee, Kentucky, Florida, and Alaska; 4 great grandchildren; his brother, Mike (Barb); his sister, Patty (Mark); many nieces and nephews, and countless cousins. His legacy will continue to live on through stories and memories shared and passed down through generations.
Jay was born January 23rd, 1943 in Quincy, Illinois. He moved to Michigan when he was 19 and that is where he met Ruthie while she was waitressing at the A&W Cafe. He bought a cup of coffee, asked her on a date, and the rest was history. Although he lived in Upper Michigan for most of his adult life, he enjoyed Southern comforts such as peaches and cream, sweet tea, and catfish. Jay's happiest days were spent on Silver Lake fishing for splake and smallmouth bass or with his buddies hunting wildlife at their shared camp. Jay served 3 separate tours in Vietnam and was awarded with medals to honor his efforts spent there.
Jay spent his career working as a bus driver and custodian for the Gwinn Area Community Schools. He worked there for 29 years.
Jay could often be found with a cup of coffee in his hand and he loved to read. He was not a man of many words, but he thoroughly enjoyed being around his family and cherished his time with them immensely. He would take every opportunity to visit his son in Alaska in the summers and fish on the powerful rivers that encompass the land. Jay was strong-willed and very headstrong and if he did something, he wanted to do it right.
Jay's family would like to thank the staff of UP Home Health & Hospice for the care they provided.
An event to celebrate the life of Jay will be held Saturday, April 30th from 2-4pm at the VFW in Gwinn with Rev. Rell Spickerman officiating.
Canale-Gwinn Funeral Home and Cremation Services is the assisting the family in the celebration. Jay's obituary may also be viewed at canalefuneral.com where memories may be shared.
There will be a Zoom link set up for family members and friends who are unable to attend the celebration.
Tributes
"Ruthie and family: Sincere sympathy in the loss of Jay. Yes, a fisherman and a hunter, and long ago an avid snowmobile rider. He had a straight-faced sense of humor that we all loved. I have many memories of spending time with Jay and Ruthie and will never forget them. He will surely be missed but never forgotten. RIP Jay. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Hugs and love to all. Nona L. (Peterson) Uren"
"Sorry for your loss. Prayers from all of us. Pete Paul and Patrick Moore"
"Ruthie I never meet Chris but he must of been a special guy . My heart and prayers go out to you and the family. Love Bonnie Baumann Purvis "
"Dad, I know your proud of your boys, Your tough love made us into capable and competent Men, May God Bless the Crist / Ketola Family's with peace and health and healing...Especially Mom,,,Halo for her."