Ernest B. Needham

Ernest Benjamin Needham, age 82 and longtime resident of Britton, Michigan, passed away peacefully March 21, 2026 in Harbor Springs, Michigan.  He was born in Flint, Michigan on August 30, 1943, to the late Clarice L. (Gault) and Ernest B. Needham. He graduated from Clio High School in 1961 where he played the baritone and was the drum major of the Clio Mustang Marching Band.   He later graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering.  He worked for General Motors for 35 years, working his way up from apprentice to diemaker to process engineer.

He was also preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Mary Ellen Needham and the 45 cats he rescued over his lifetime.

He is survived by his daughter, Lisabet Canzano (Matt); grandson, Ian Heinkele (Heather); brothers, Thomas Needham (Grace) and H. Michael Needham (Karen), sister, Beverly Needham and many nieces and nephews.

Ernie loved University of Michigan sports, boating, classic cars and cats, though not necessarily in that order.  When he wasn’t tinkering with one of his many motor vehicles, he could be found lounging with a cat, happily purring in his lap.  But he was happiest when he was zipping across a sunset-drenched layer of glassy Lake Erie water on a warm summer night.

He will be remembered for many things including his irreverent sense of humor and his signature recipe for crock pot sausage medallions, which sadly, he takes with him.

His family takes comfort in knowing he is no longer suffering and is somewhere trying to get a Euchre game together and helping fix a glitch he found in the Pearly Gates. 

According to his wishes, there will be no formal service.  Family will gather in the spring to inter his ashes.

Those wishing to honor his memory may make a donation to the Lenawee County Humane Society.