Gordon Piggott, Sr.

Gordon Piggott was a man of decided opinions – in his book, U of M, Swisher Sweets cigars, polka music and pheasant hunting were firmly ranked in the “good” column. Nowhere were his steadfast persistence and single-minded focus more apparent, however, than in his incredible work ethic and his commitment to his family. Gordon always put his family first, and he spent his life taking care of those he loved.

Gordon was born into the rural world of Fowler, Michigan, on March 21, 1926. His proud parents were William and Mae (Smith) Piggott. Although Piggott is an English name, the family had strong Irish roots, and throughout his life Gordon was proud of his Irish heritage. William and Mae had seven children – six boys and one tomboy (Gordon was fifth in line). William supported the family as a farmer, while Mae stayed at home to raise the children. Gordon grew up on the farm, and often helped out with chores. Gordon adored his parents, and early on learned from them lessons about hard work and integrity that would characterized his entire life. Academically, Gordon did very well in school – lessons always seemed to come easily to him. When he wasn’t in class or busy on the farm, Gordon enjoyed playing baseball and basketball.

Following his graduation from Fowler High School, Gordon decided to serve his country by enlisting in the U.S. Army. Although he was originally was posted to Germany, WWII ended just as he was leaving. He was then reassigned to Korea, where he served his entire tour of duty. His time as a soldier made a deep impression on Gordon, and after returning to Michigan he became a proud member of VFW Post 3733, later joining the American Legion Post in Hubbardston as well. A devoted and reliable member, Gordon served as the VFW quartermaster for over 30 years.

After returning home from Korea, Gordon had the chance once again to enjoy life in the United States. One of his favorite pastimes was dancing, and he often attended local dances. One evening at a Stony Creek Inn dance Gordon made the acquaintance of a young woman named Donna Fletcher. The two started dating, and it wasn’t long before Gordon proposed. Donna accepted, and the young couple was married on June 26, 1948, in Fowler, Michigan.

In order to support his new family, Gordon went to work at Motor Wheel in Lansing. This wasn’t the right fit for Gordon, and the job only lasted for two weeks. Soon after, however, he found a job at Sealed Power in St. Johns, a job he would hold for the next 44 years. As if one-full time job wasn’t enough, Gordon also farmed 80 acres of land purchased from his uncle. While some people might have been overwhelmed by these responsibilities, Gordon had a work ethic “second to none,” and accomplished his work with both skill and integrity.

At home, Gordon and Donna were blessed by the births of five children: Barb, Lorraine, Gordon Jr., Tom and Jim. Gordon was a loving but strict father, who had high standards and expectations for his children. His children, in turn, fulfilled and exceeded his expectations, and Gordon was always very proud of his children’s accomplishments. Gordon worked hard to support his children, making sure they had the best opportunities. The family dealt with a lot of sickness as the children grew up, which put some strain on them financially. In order to make ends meet, Gordon sometimes picked apples after clocking out at Sealed Power.

In his free time, Gordon loved hunting and all kinds of outdoor activities. He was renowned as a pheasant hunter, and never missed the opening day of pheasant season, which he spent hunting on his parents’ property. Gordon was also very civic-minded, and in addition to his activities with the VFW, he volunteered at Carson City Hospital and belonged to the Fowler Conservation Club. A long-time member of Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Gordon also participated in the Knights of Columbus. No matter which group he was working with, Gordon’s actions were motivated by an unfailing willingness to help others.

Sadly, Gordon’s wife Donna passed away on December 27, 1979. Although this was a very difficult time for Gordon, he found great comfort in spending time with his children and, later, his grandchildren. Gordon was a supportive and active grandfather, and always attended his grandchildren’s athletic events.

As Gordon grew older, he was lucky enough to get a second chance at love. He met Frieda Hancock at the Hunter’s Ball of the American Legion in Hubbardston, and the two soon realized that they shared many interests. Their friendship gradually deepened into love, and on December 7, 1998, they were married in St. Johns, Michigan. After Gordon’s retirement, they began to travel more widely, with destinations throughout the U.S. and even to Germany.

Kind, honest, and devoted to his family, Gordon Piggott was a wonderful husband, a proud father and grandfather, and loyal friend. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his many friends and family members.

Gordon C. Piggott, Sr., died on March 14, 2012, at the age of 85. Gordon is survived by his wife, Frieda; his daughters, Barb Piggott of Charlotte and Lorraine Weber of Fowler; his sons, Tom (Lori) Piggott of Brodhead, WI, and Jim (Sandy) Piggott of Fowler; his step-children, Tom (Michelle Cashen) Gallagher, Terry (Pauline) Gallagher, Cindy Gallagher, JoAnn (Lowell) Daniels, Tony (Rose) Gallagher, and Rose Gallagher; his special friend, Jack Cunningham; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews; his sister, Mary Catherine Fedewa; his brothers, Gerald (Caroline) Piggott and Bill (Alice) Piggott; and his sister-in-law, Opal Piggott. He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Donna; his son, Gordon, Jr.; his step-son, Tim Gallagher; his son-in-law, Jerome Weber; and his brothers, Ronald and Robert Piggott.

In honor of Gordon’s Irish heritage, a Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on St. Patrick’s Day (March 17, 2012), at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Fowler, Michigan. The concelebrants will be Fr. Dennis Howard and Fr. Bill Koenigsknecht. Burial will follow at Most Holy Trinity Cemetery. Military Services will be provided by V.F.W. Post #3733.

The family will receive friends 7-9 p.m. on Thursday, and 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. on Friday, with rosaries being prayed on Thursday at 8 p.m. and Friday at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m., at the Goerge Chapel of the Osgood Funeral Homes in Fowler. Memorial donations may be made to the V.F.W. post #3733, the Hubbardston American Legion, the Fowler Fire & Rescue or Hubbardston Fire & Rescue. Please visit Gordon’s personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com/memories/78918, where you can learn more about his life, share a favorite memory or photo, and sign the online guestbook. The family was served by The Osgood Funeral Homes.