- Date Of Birth: October 9, 1966
- Date Of Death: May 22, 2017
- State: Michigan
Gregory John Stryker of Midland was born Oct 9, 1966 in Grand Rapids, a 10 9oz bouncing bundle of joy and love, in a hurry to arrive, adored and cherished from the start. With his beautiful curly blonde hair and infectious smile, he could jump into the arms of any stranger/acquaintance and be welcomed into an unsuspecting lap despite his propensity to gently tug on their soft ear lobes during the visit.
Greg was a dog magnet/dog whisperer. Wherever he traveled, beginning in early childhood, he gravitated to dogs, to “companionize”, the larger the better. During the interaction, it was obvious that the new dog-friend was getting as much joy as the boy from the relationship. Because of the innate love and trust developed, he was able to develop extremely well behaved dogs. In short, the canines would do anything to please him and then in turn they would be rewarded with unconditional love and a roll around on the floor, wrestling, man and dog, both experiencing pure joy. Most importantly, he taught our children the premise that dogs are SO much more than pets. They are true companions with whom to share joy and sorrow. Dogs have a sense when things aren’t right and will be by your side/in your lap (even the 150# ones), with a lower side effect profile than prozac. What an awesome lesson to teach our children?! As customers know, he chose puppies that he could nurture to become “Marina Dogs”, gentle with the children visiting the Marina. From JR to Astro to Godfrey to Polar to Obrien, the legacy of Marina dogs have attracted as many customers as the beautiful lines of Pontoons, Bass Boats and Speed Boats.
After graduating from Delta College, he became the owner/innovator “Fulfilling Dreams on the Water” at Stryker’s Lakeside Marina after his dear father had a massive stroke. Mother, Rhosan, retired after 30 years teaching at the Business Division at Delta College to team up with Greg, in charge of boat sales. He expanded and revitalized the Marina to make it more esthetically pleasing to the customers, providing a party/peaceful atmosphere and boat slips for city dwellers to escape. Greg nurtured his business relationships, developing lasting friendships with his associates. One business associate said that he never felt like he had to dress or talk like a businessman around Greg. Spirited debates and trusting conversations were accomplished at Loons Games, Hockey games or MSU football games. Economic pessimism was never allowed in the conversation, even during the down turn in 2008 because the mantra was that excellent customer service was always going to bring in business. As a businessman, he took his role as a community supporter very seriously. Camp Fishtails benefited from his generosity and he loved taking the family to the Midland County Fair to bid on 4 H animals, supporting the children of his customers and staff.
What an amazing man!! He was a loving son, awesome brother, nephew, supportive/great/nurturing uncle, loyal friend, adoring/doting/protective father and husband, nautical teacher, the quintessential Ocean/Great Lakes wayfarer and North Channel Circumnavigation.
When you celebrate the life of someone so loved, it leaves a huge void, a hole in our hearts. Mostly, we miss his amazing hugs and his quirky way of teasing you when he just wanted to make sure you knew how much he loved you. Amongst those who will miss him most are his daughter Kayla Stryker (a junior at Michigan State University, majoring in Business), his mother, Rhosan D. Stryker (predeceased by his father, James G. Stryker), his brother and sister-in-law Gordon James Stryker and Cate Davis, his sister and brother-in-law, Dree Stryker and Mike Korn, chosen Aunt Linda Cunningham, chosen sister Darcy Cunningham, nieces Sarah, Molly and Emily Korn, and the dedicated and amazing support staff at Stryker’s Lakeside Marina.
