Arthur Clay LaPpin

Arthur Clay LaPpin, 93, died September 20, 2019, at his home in Alanson, Michigan.

Art was born on June 6, 1926 and his early years were spent in Missouri, much of that on his Uncle's farm where he learned to appreciate the outdoors and hard work. He moved to Ann Arbor as a young man and worked at Burr Manufacturing while honing his martial arts skills and becoming an instructor and high level Black Belt in Judo. He was also an Olympic level light heavyweight Lifter. Art proudly served in the United States Army, joining in 1945.

Art married Betty Lee and their busy life included working summers on Mackinaw Island, the perfect place for their hospitality skills. They were active members of the Ann Arbor Ski Club, which led to a love for Northern Michigan and they moved to Walloon Lake as proprietors of the Village Resort and later Road and Track in Petoskey. They had more than fifty years together before Betty's death in 2005.

Art found the perfect partner for the next chapter of his life with Ruth Johnson. For almost 15 years they have split their time between Alanson, Michigan, and Punta Gorda, Florida, enjoying boating, travel in their motor home, casinos (Art never met a poker machine he didn't think he could beat), and afternoon "friendly" card games.

Art never met a stranger and he loved weight training, martial arts, Prince, Rocky, Little Rocky, motorcycles, snowmobiles, motor homes, boating, card games, cooking for friends and good Scotch. He will be remembered as a snappy dresser.

Art traveled this world with an open heart and love for all. He was a loyal friend, always ready with a helping hand and will be missed and remembered always by those who loved him, especially Dan and Careen Giltrow, Dennis and Louise Burke, Jack and Della Blanchard and Stew and Shirley SirLouis.

He is survived by his nephew, Martin (Kathleen) Lamontagne; and left to cherish his memory and happy times are his life partner, Ruth Johnson and her family, daughter and son-in-law, April and Tim Donaldson, their children Ryan (Heidi) and their daughter, Cadence, Justin (Callie) and their children, Avery, Pearson and new daughter Gradey.

Art is preceded in death by his wife, Betty F. (Lee) LaPpin; sister, Alice Lamontagne; and stepson, Roy Root.

A private memorial gathering will be held to honor Art's life and he will be laid to rest beside his wife, Betty, in Ann Arbor later this year.

Friends and family wishing to make a charitable donation are asked to do so to a charity of your choice in Art's memory.

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