John Reynolds Secord

John Reynolds Secord passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home Wednesday morning, April 15, 2015, at the age of 87. Jack, as he was fondly called, was born in Highland Park, Michigan the son of George A. and Jessie A. ( Reynolds ) Secord on June 14, 1927. He attended Detroit schools graduating from MacKenzie High School and also during these years he attended the Henry Ford Trade School. Even at a young age, Jack was interested in becoming an engineer. On Victory over Japan Day in September, 1945, he entered the United States Navy. He saw no overseas duty and was discharged in 1947, when with the aid of the GI Bill, was able to attend college. He took classes at the University of Detroit Jesuit and at the GM Institute where he earned his Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering degree. Later he received his Masters degree from Wayne State University. While attending the GM Institute, he also did work for Detroit Diesel. Jack joined Ford Motor Company in 1952 and worked in the Gas Turbine Research Center retiring in 1985. After his retirement, Jack had a rich and varied life. Since a young man, he had enjoyed woodworking which he continued to do, but also incorporating stain glass into his projects. He enjoyed fixing clocks, building and flying remote-controlled model planes and working on and restoring old cars. Over a three year span, he re-built a 1954 MG - TF which he took to numerous car shows. He was a member of the MG Club and also the Fiero Club. Jack joined a project at Henry Ford Museum where he learned furniture restoration for the museum's antiques. With the techniques he learned, he then enjoyed visiting the Ann Arbor antique flea markets, purchasing derelict furniture, and restoring it to its former glory. Sailing also brought great pleasure into his life, and his bright red boat was named, "Cherry Pie" after the dessert that brought an equal amount of pleasure. In 1949, he married Jane Henry (now Jane Langa), and they were married for 23 years and had 3 children. After their amicable divorce, they remained life-long friends. In 1974, he married Barbara Stadnik with whom he had 3 children and they enjoyed 40 years of marriage. Jack is survived by Barbara and their children Jason ( Rachael Siggens ) Secord, Jessie-Mae ( Deborah ) Secord; his first wife Jane Langa and their children David ( Staci ) Secord, Linda ( Brian ) Withers and Susan ( Robert ) Perrish and daughter-in-law Lynn ( Bob Lahr ) Secord. Also surviving are his grandchildren, Kimberly Perrish, Bree Brouillet, Sarah Withers, Dylan Secord, Rebecca Withers, Olivia Crisenbery and cousins Joyce Loth and Shirley-Jane Richards. Jack was preceded in death by his son Matthew Secord and grandson Stephen Perrish. A Memorial Gathering will be held on Monday, April 20, 2015 at the Schrader-Howell Funeral Home, 280 South Main Street, Plymouth from 1 pm until the time of the Memorial Service at 3 pm. The Reverend Drex Morton will be officiating. The family suggest memorial contributions in Jack's name to the Humane Society of Huron Valley, The Detroit Rescue Ministry or the Detroit Public Broadcasting System.