Joseph T. Tunnell

John Elton Ecklund

Loved to walk beaches

John Elton Ecklund, of Anna Maria, passed away unexpectedly on Jan. 20, 2012, in Bradenton.

Born in Flint, Mich., on June 5, 1949, John always loved being outside. He played ball with children in his Flint neighborhood and spent many summers at the cottage on Bear Lake fishing, boating, and swimming. John graduated from Flint Northern High School in 1967 and Michigan State University's School of Natural Resources in 1973. He went on to a career with and retired from the state of Michigan Department of Environmental Quality as a water quality specialist. He spent countless hours outdoors testing the quality of Michigan's waters. Known to his colleagues as "Moose," John was often the coach of the softball team and organizer of all things fun. He loved people and often found himself spending time with and enjoying the company of others, particularly at art and music festivals. John also enjoyed his solitude as he could spend hours in the northern woods in the spring searching for elusive morels or trying to catch the big one during the June hex hatch on the Manistee River or in the early morning hours on the Florida beaches of his beloved Anna Maria searching for the perfect shell or lost in a good book. In life, you wanted John on your side because he was always supportive and there when you needed him. His wry wit will always be in our hearts.

John was the loving and devoted father of Karl (Rachel) Ecklund and Shannon McGuire. He is survived by his brothers Tom (Diane) and Jim (Karen); mother-in-law Catherine McGuire; sister-in-laws Angela McGuire, Mary Catherine (Dzintars) Gendrikovs, and Colleen (Tony) Tinnin; brother-in-laws John McGuire, and Mike (Tressa) McGuire; and Karl's mother, Linda Ecklund; loving nephews and niece David, Dean, Peter, Joseph, Mitchell, Charlie (Erin), Kelly, Ian, Connor, Cary, Sean, and Leah; and great niece Claire.

John was preceded in death by his wife Erin (McGuire) Ecklund; parents Clare and Betty (Dagwell) Ecklund; and father-in-law Dr. James McGuire. A memorial service will be held Wednesday, Feb. 1, at 11 a.m. at St. Katherine's Episcopal Church, 4650 N. Meridian Rd., Williamston, with the Rev. Ronald Byrd, Sr. officiating. There will be a gathering of friends at the Oak Street beach entrance on Friday, Feb. 3, at sunset. Memorial contributions may be made to Bradenton Beach Tingley Memorial Library Board, 111 Second St. N., Bradenton Beach, FL 34217 in John's memory. On line condolences may be made at www.greastlansing.com.

Charles 'Chuck' Lease

Charles "Chuck" Lease, 68, of Dade City, passed away Jan. 9, 2012, in Zephyrhills.

He was born Feb. 1, 1943, in Oconto, Wis., to Charles and Ethel (Radtke) Lease. He was a Protestant and served in the National Guard. He earned his master's degree from University of South Florida. Mr. Lease taught at Dade City Grammar School where he later became principal. He also taught music appreciation at St Leo College. He wrote for the Dade City Banner, designed and set up water cleaning plants and owned and operated Treasures and Trash in Dade City. He also managed rental properties. Mr. Lease was active in church and the community, coaching and tutoring children. He is survived by his sister, Mary M. Lease, of Anna Maria. He was preceded in death by his father, Rev. Charles E.  Lease, former pastor of the Roser Memorial Community Church in Anna Maria; his mother, Ethel R. Lease, a locally known educator, served as librarian at University of South Florida.

Graveside services will take place 2 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2012, at Chapel Hill Gardens Cemetery in Dade City.