George N Pike

George Nelson Pike, 83, of Cheboygan, Michigan, passed away unexpectedly on June 15, 2025 in Petoskey’s ICU. George’s heart was so big for those he loved, but in the end, his heart failed him. He was surrounded by his loving family when he passed.

George, or “Nels”, as his family called him, was born on October 5, 1941, on Beaver Island, Michigan, to John David Pike and Helen (LaFreniere) Pike. He lived on Beaver Island until he was 5 years old, until his family moved to Montague, Michigan. He grew up there and graduated from Montague High in 1959. He then attended Western Michigan University to study Teaching. It was there that he met the love of his life, Judith Turcott, and they were married August 17, 1963. They would have been married 62 years this August. When George graduated with a Bachelor of Education from Western, he and Judy move to Muskegon, Michigan, where he taught History at Muskegon Heights Middle school for two years. This was also where his first child, Matthew was born.

The three of them then moved to Cheboygan, Michigan, where he taught History, Social Studies, Geography and Psychology, and holding the title as Athletic Director for Cheboygan Area High School. During this time, his second child, Amy was born. Throughout the years, George coached Football, Basketball, and served as Athletic Director for many years. He was then asked to serve as Assistant Principal, and he obtained his Masters in Public Administration at Central Michigan University. He then became the Principal of the Cheboygan High School and remained so until his retirement in 2002. He was given the Principal of the Year Award in 1996, and 2001-02.

His love of teaching and molding young lives didn’t just pertain to school, he enjoyed many aspects of life. He found joy in golfing, and participated in this sport in Florida, Cheboygan, and the surrounding areas. He enjoyed showing his Grandson Ethan his love of golf, teaching him his little secrets, and Ethan now loves the sport as well. George enjoyed fishing and would take fishing trips with his friends to Canada. He also appreciated being in the woods and hunting, and owned a hunting camp with his friends called the “Wood Smoke Cattle Company”. His love of dogs was apparent, as there never was a time in his life where he didn’t have at least one dog. “The Pikes and their dogs” was a favorite quote stated about him frequently. He was an avid reader, and always had at least 2 or 3 books at his side at any given time, keeping up with his favorite authors, Tom Clancy, David Baldacci, and James Patterson. George loved to travel, and he enjoyed many trips across the U.S, from Alaska to Florida, to Maine and New Hampshire, with many places in between. He and Judy enjoyed traveling with their kids when they were younger, and in their retirement years they traveled with great friends. Wherever they went, it was not unusual to run into someone who knew him, much to the amusement of his family. George also loved his garden, he grew many things to can, bottle, and freeze. He was very proud of his homemade salsa, and spicy pickles, which his family loved. He also loved to play cards with his core group of friends, where evenings were filled with jokes, stories and laughs. In his retirement, he frequented the casinos in the surrounding area, where he seemed to have the “Golden Touch”.

George was a member of the Michigan Association of Secondary Schools, where he was awarded the Distinguished Services on the Executive Board, from 1994-1996. He was also a member of the Michigan Association of Student Councils, Michigan Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association, and the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Cheboygan Branch. He was ever involved in his community, being a long-time member of the Cheboygan Dad’s Club, with fundraising and events. He also served on the Cheboygan Board of Education after his retirement as Principal, and the Board of Water Waste Commission.

Above all that, George found great pleasure in his family and friends. He could always be found watching his grandson Ethan’s many athletic events. Whether it was hockey, baseball or basketball, you could always spot George in the crowd with his Stormy Kromer hat. He was so proud of his only grandson and loved to talk about him with anyone he was with.

George is survived and deeply missed by his wife Judy, of Cheboygan, Michigan, his children, Matthew (Vicky) Pike, of Lacey, Washington, Amy Cook of Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan, and his grandchild Ethan Cook, of Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan. He is also survived by his brother John (Pat) Pike of Jenison, Michigan, sister Elaine (Steve) West of Camden, South Carolina, his sister-in-law Marijean Pike, of Beaver Island, Michigan, brother/sister-in-law Jim (Barb) Turcott of Simpsonville, South Carolina, and sister-in-law Barbie Osborne, of Kalamazoo, Michigan as well as many nieces and nephews, he loved dearly. His dog Gus will miss his loyal and loving owner as well.

He was preceded in death by his parents, David and Helen Pike, and his brother, Francis Pike.

There will be Memorial Service for George on Saturday, July 12, 2025, from 11:00 am to 5:00pm at Nordman-Christian Funeral Home in Cheboygan, Michigan.

Cremation has taken place, and his ashes will be interred in his favorite place, Beaver Island, Michigan.

Any memorial contributions can be made in his honor to the Cheboygan Humane Society. Finally, always remember the famous Walter Winchell quote George used to begin the daily

announcements over the intercom: “Good Morning Mr. and Mrs. America, and all the ships at sea!!!!”

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