John Van Dyke
John Van Dyke, Husband, Father, Environmental Engineer, Horse Farm Manager, Scout Leader, Tree Farmer and US Air Force Airman, passed away on 10 May, 2025. He was 84. He was born in Detroit Michigan on 15 November 1940.
John was predeceased by his parents, John and Helen also his sister Barbara.
John is survived by his wife of 64 years Jean (“Squeek”), his sister Norma and his two sons, John (“Ric”) his significate other Rachel, Michael (“Myke”) and his wife Chris. Also, four grandchildren Andrea, Tom, Elizabeth and Maria.
John and Squeek met in college, and were married on 13 June 1961. Both their sons were born in South Carolina while John was serving in the US Air Force as a C-130 Mechanic. He completed his service with the Air Force in the fall of 1965 as an Airman 1st Class (in today’s rank structure, a Senior Airman).
John and Squeek ran the Nature’s Last Stand horse and tree farm in Salem Township Michigan from the 1970s through 2000, providing horseback riding lessons, summer day camps, and horse shows to hundreds of riders young and old. The farm was well known for Dressage and 2-day Events featuring Dressage, Cross Country and Stadium jumping. The farm had approximately 50 horses and ponies at its peak.
John worked as an environmental engineer at Ford Motor Company for 30 years, ensuring as he liked to put it that Ford’s factories didn’t pollute “too much”. His interest in caring for the environment was a prime motivation in his life, he was active in the Michigan Forest Association where he served as president and other roles.
John was an active supporter of the Boy Scout Troop “P-6” (Detroit Area Council troop 1536) while his sons were members during the 1970s and 1980s. The troop often camped at the farm; he was also a Scoutmaster.
In lieu of flowers, his sons ask that you plant a tree in memory of their father. A memorial luncheon is being planned for later in 2025.
Share
Let the family know you care by sharing this tribute.
I remember your father as a lovely soul, full of fun and laughter! A very generous man, who enjoyed all of us kids hanging out at the farm!! I am thankful to both your parents for the experiences they provided to all of us; horse back riding, campfires, campouts! Using their land for Capture The Flag,……May he rest in peace, and may your hearts swell with pride and great memories of his time here on earth!
The memories I carry from my time at NLS remain some of my most cherished. John and Squeek made those memories possible. My deepest heartfelt condolences to Squeek, Ric and Myke.
Me. Van Dyke was a great guy. I have a lot of great memories of Scout Troop P6 and our camping trips at Nature’s Last Stand. Those were some of the best times of my life. I’ll never forget him sending me to find a smoke shifter when I was complaining about the campfire smoke following me. The world is a better place because he was here. My condolences to the family and all the people he touched.