Victor "Vic" Stephen Janson

Victor "Vic" Stephen Janson of Hastings, MI and formerly of Richland, MI and East Lansing, MI







Vic, age 90, died Tuesday morning, January 28, 2014 at his home, surrounded by his loving family.


Vic was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Richland. He loved God and found His presence in the woodlands, on the golf course and with his family and friends.


Vic, the son of Elza and Irene (Osborne) Janson, was born July 16, 1923 in Kalamazoo, MI. He served his country honorably during World War II in the United States Army and received a Bronze Battle Star. Vic earned his Bachelor and Master Degrees in Science from Michigan State University. He retired after 32 years of dedicated service to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources as a Wildlife Biologist. Vic was an expert Ornithologist and a renowned North American competitive birder. He was a member of the American Birding Association and The Audubon Society.


Vic was married to the love of his life, Carmen (Barnes) June 6, 1943 in La Jolla, CA. Surviving is his wife of 70 years, Carmen; his two daughters, Vicki Janson of Hastings and Sally Janson (Graham Cooke) of Hudson, Quebec; three sons, Lynn Clark (Norma) Janson and Chris Janson, both of Hastings and Jim (Karen) Janson of South Haven, MI; ten grandchildren and twenty four great grandchildren. Vic was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Hilda Castetter and two brothers, Donald and Lynn Janson.


The Service of Witness to the Resurrection and Thanksgiving for the Life of Vic will be held on Saturday, March 22nd at 11:00 a.m.at the First Presbyterian Church of Richland, 8047 Church Street, with the Rev. Dr. Mark W. Jennings, Pastor and Ministry Associate, Murray Cooper, officiating. Family and friends will continue to celebrate Vic's life with a time of fellowship and a luncheon immediately following the Service in the Gull Prairie Room of the Church. Memorial contributions in Vic's honor may be directed to the First Presbyterian Church, 8047 Church Street, Richland, MI 49083 or Pennock Hospice, 1230 W. State Street, Hastings, MI 49058. The Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home, Richland Chapel (269-629-6022) is in charge of all the arrangements.