Dr. John Shriner

John Shriner hated yard work…but loved everything else about our homes on Airfield Lane and Knollwood Court &– special places full of treasured memories we revisited with him over the past several weeks. What he loved most were the people who lived inside and those who gathered around our dining room table: his wife of more than 75 years, three daughters, extended family including son-in-laws, brothers, sister-in laws, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great grandchildren, neighbors, co-workers, and dear friends loved like family.

John died peacefully on Sunday, February 12 at the age of 96, knowing he would meet his beloved Savior and reunite with us later in Heaven.

Most people remember him as "Dr. Shriner." He arrived in Midland in 1957 to open a practice specializing in obstetrics and gynecology. He delivered more than 10,000 babies over the course of a 37-year career serving the community. Like many doctors of his era, he earned success the old-fashioned way – devoting his life to patients, working his tail off, taking "call" often, and making other personal sacrifices for those who needed care. More than anything he held his hospital and office colleagues in the highest regard, recognizing that quality healthcare is a team effort.

Our mom was her "Johnny's" biggest supporter and partner. She was the original "Door Dash," delivering hot, homecooked meals to him at the hospital while he waited for a patient's labor to progress. He never uttered the words "I'm too busy" to his daughters. He was always there to show us his love and tell us how proud he was of us. His faith, honesty, humility, integrity, and accountability made him an amazing role model.

Our dad never took anything for granted. His faith and trust in God's provision was unwavering. Still, he encouraged us to focus on our passions and aptitudes and pursue any education and training that would empower us to provide for ourselves.

He was a "doer" even in his down time. An active member of Eagle Ridge Church of God (formerly East Ashman Church of God), he also pursued hobbies that connected him to great people. In the early Midland days, he bowled in a league with a group of fellow physicians. He also played golf – a sport he learned to love while serving in the medical corps at Robins Air Force Base in Georgia, where he could play for free.

An avid pilot, he flew small, single engine airplanes for decades – training he was able to fund by selling his blood during medical school. In 2014, he earned a special commendation from the Federal Aviation Administration for 50 years of dedicated service in aviation safety. Prior to his retirement in 1994, he started building an experimental RV6 in their Village West condo basement before moving it to one of the hangars at Barstow Airport. There, he spent hundreds of hours finishing what would become his prized black and flame aircraft.

He cherished his local pilot community, hanging out regularly with many of them in one of Midland's original, well-worn airplane hangars. He ate lunch almost daily at the "pilot's table" at Shirleen's, Lanny's or Stackers. A proud supporter of the Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 1093, he loved fly-in pancake breakfasts and witnessing young Midlanders learn to fly.

As much as he loved the sky, John also embraced Michigan's four seasons on the ground. Our parents learned to ski at 35, encouraged by a great group of friends. John skied into his early 70s and passed on the love of the sport to several members of the family.

Hunting was a life-long passion. He started rifle hunting as a child with his mother, father and brother at their family cabin on Shupac Lake in Lovells, MI. Later, many November 15ths were spent deer hunting with a friend at Lost Lake Woods Club in Spruce, MI, or crossbow hunting locally with ever-patient, inclusive son-in-law Jim.

In recent years, our parents have been living at Primrose Retirement Community. It has been an honor traveling along with them on their old-age adventures. We happily continue that journey with our mom Grace Shriner, who survives John. Also surviving are daughters Debra (Jim) Badour, Sandra Haley, and Melinda (Terry Barckholtz) Shriner, grandchildren Stacey (Scott) Eley, Ryan Badour and Allison Ludy, Shannon Haley, Claire (Matthew) Ingersoll, Clay Barckholtz, and great grandchildren Maxwell Eley and Andrew Eley, and several nieces and nephews and their families.

Our family appreciates the people who were so patient and kind to John just prior to his death, including his church family, the MyMichigan Health 5300 unit care team, caregivers at Primrose, and friend Lowell Gisel.

Funeral services will be held at 11am on Friday, February 17, at Eagle Ridge Church of God. Visitation will be Thursday from 4-8 pm at the Wilson MILLER Funeral Home and on Friday at the church from 10 am until the time of service. Memorials in his honor may be made to Eagle Ridge Church of God or to the Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 1093 Scholarship Fund, Box 2464, Midland, MI 48641-2464.

Eagle Ridge Church of God will be providing live streaming of the funeral service. To view the live stream, use the following link: https://youtube.com/live/CdlTdacVKV0?feature=share

Eagle Ridge Church of God
2808 Waldo Ave., Midland MI 48642

Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter #1093 Scholarship Fund
PO Box 2464, Midland MI 48641