Eric Donald Pitchford

Eric Donald Pitchford, 63, 0f Farwell, Died June 7, after a courageous battle with cancer at MidMichigan Medical Center in Clare surrounded by his family. He was born in Mt. Pleasant on May 14, 1950 to Donald and Marilyn (Davison) Pitchford. He graduated from Farwell High School in 1968 and received an Associate's Degree with diesel mechanic certification from Ferris State University in 1970. On February 9, 1973, Eric married the love of his life, Esther Halfmann. Surviving along with Esther are his daughter, Lisa Pitchford and Darin Nederhoed, his son Kenneth (Samantha) Pitchford, granddaughters, Terryn and Kieley Grider, his siblings, Joan and Terry Cashin, Mary Pitchford, and Alan and Tracey Pitchford, uncle and aunt, Bernie and Pat Davison. Pitchford family friend, Niki Diehm, mother-in-law Leona Halfmann, in-laws, Elaine and Rod Brickner, Sandy and Doug White, Lori Halfmann, Lynn Ann and Larry Bouchey, Jill and Pat O'Brien, Ron and Mary Halfmann, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, Cecil and Ina Davison and John and Edna Pitchford, father-in-law Kenneth Halfmann, and brother-in-law, James Halfmann. Eric got an early start in his working career; delivering the Saginaw News, earning the Newspaper Carrier of the Year award in 1963. He went on to work at the Farwell A&W Restaurant during his teenage years. After graduating from Ferris, he began his adult career life with Draper in Saginaw. His work history also included Farwell Hardware, Ed's Mobil station, Sterling-Garrett, Mid Michigan Trucking, Beard Oil Co., McLauchlin Drilling, Biggard Oil, Inc., and for the past 20 years Eric has worked for Fisher Transportation, Inc. in Mt. Pleasant. Eric enjoyed a well respected reputation of working long hours to get the job done. He will be remembered for his knowledge and memory of highways, roads, and details of events and travel. He took great pride in taking great care of his assigned truck and equipment. Eric was civic minded and served for 33 years on the Surrey Twp. Fire Dept., earning fireman of the year in 1987. He enjoyed spending time with his family, antique tractors, and going to auctions. He had been a member of the 20 Lakes Antique Engine and Tractor Club, and the Michigan State Fireman's Association. In keeping with Eric's wishes, cremation has taken place. The family will receive friends for visitation on Monday, June 10, from 5 to 9 PM, at the Farwell Chapel of Stephenson-Wyman Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the Pardee Cancer Treatment Fund of Clare County, MidMichigan Home Care-Hospice, or the Michigan State Fireman's Memorial in Roscommon, Michigan.

Eric Donald Pitchford

May 14, 1950 - June 7, 2013