Obituary of Joseph Thomas Lake

Lake, Joseph Thomas “Tom” West Branch, MI Joseph “Tom” Lake, formerly of Flint, entered his heavenly home on December 27, 2020 at the age of 83. Tom was born in 1937 in Flint, Michigan, the son of the late Raymond and Hazel (Belill) Lake. Tom graduated from St. Mary’s High School in 1955 and was the salutatorian and President of his class. He was an outstanding athlete for the Wildcats, excelling in football, basketball and baseball, where he won many honors and awards. Following graduation, he studied at General Motors Institute where he earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1960. Tom retired from General Motors (Buick City) after 35 years of service. He began his career in the Foundry, was promoted to Superintendent of Final Assembly and Quality Control and in 1993 was the Plant Manager of the Chassis Plant. Tom freely volunteered his time coaching many girls and boys sports teams in his community. At Flint Holy Rosary he was an assistant coach during the Wolverines back to back State Basketball (1975 & 1976) and Softball (1976 & 1977) Championships. He also served as the President for the Flint Kearsley High School Board of Education and coached JV Boys Basketball. Following retirement, Tom moved to The Villages, Florida where he enjoyed golfing, going to the beach, dancing and singing karaoke. He loved to travel and spent many Mardi Gras in New Orleans. Tom was a loyal fan of the Detroit Tigers and Lions, MSU and U of M sports teams. He loved to walk around his neighborhood talking to friends and enjoyed the outdoors. Tom enjoyed life to the fullest and will be remembered by many for his generosity, kindness and smile. He will be greatly missed and never forgotten by his daughters Shaun (Ken) Antler of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Wendy Lake of Otisville, Heather (Dan) Lake-Shuten of Leesburg, Florida, the mother of his daughters, Anita “Jo” (Williams) Lake-Spada of Leesburg FL; his grandchildren, Tyler, Kt, Jordan, Nicole, and Connor Joseph; his loving sister, Virginia July; many nieces, nephews and special friends. In addition to his parents, Tom was preceded in death by his wife Marcia (Worden) Lake, brother Kenneth Lake, sister-in-law Norma Lake, brother-in-law Don July; and nephews Richard Lake and Don July Jr.. The Lake family would like to thank the wonderful nurses and care staff at The Brook of West Branch, McLaren Primary and Home Health Care and Compassus Hospice Care. Special thanks to his West Branch shopping angel Tracey R. and his friend Sharon F. for their caring and kindness, and to the wonderful West Branch community. A private family service will be held at New Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Flint. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Arrangements made with the Cremation Society of Mid Michigan, 1-989-892-1772. Interment will be at the New Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Flint, Michigan, where he will be reunited with many family members and friends. Those who wish to remember Tom in a special way are asked to consider a memorial contribution in his memory to the charity of the donor’s choice. To sign online guestbook, visit www.cremationsocietymidmi.com Arrangements made with Cremation Society of Mid Michigan