Donald E. Girard

In Don's words 'I'm just resting my eyelids' (and he did that a lot!).... he had a great life and his heart was so full that he required open heart bypass surgery. Although he went through a month-long recovery, he had everything pretty much planned out for his forever nap. He passed away June 11, 2022 in Florida with his family by his side. Donald Ernest Girard was born October 11, 1943 in Detroit Michigan; the only son of Howard and Blanche. Don raised four very strong daughters Susan Neff, Krista Ducharme, Sandra (Scott) Shook and Deanna (Charlie) Beres. He was a loving Grandpa 'Betthe' to Alli (Tyler) Frasier, Amanda Ducharme, Nick Shook, Samantha Ducharme, Tommy Shook, Nevaeh Neff, Kate Beres and Charlie Beres. He also adored his sweet great-granddaughter Annie Frasier, he called himself her "Great Betthe". Don is also survived by his wife Elizabeth Keating of 9 years and his step daughters Collin Keating (Martin Edward Buerk) and Vanessa Keating. He was also "Ampa Don' to Reid Buerk. Don was predeceased by his loving wife Joanne of 31 years who helped him raise those 4 very independent and caring daughters. In addition, Don is survived by his former wife and good friend Marlyss (Alfonsi) Perusich and his best friend Mike Perusich. Don was a union sheet metal worker during his working years, but was blessed to be able to retire at the young age of 55. He enjoyed his retirement to the fullest: spending time with family and friends, tinkering with his pool and around the house, and traveling. Since Joanne's death in 2009, Don spent half of his time in Michigan enjoying his family, pool and his Honda Goldwing 'Orange Blossom'. He spent the winter months in Florida with Liz enjoying the warm weather, dining out, playing on his computer, and keeping in close contact with his family and friends. The family will receive friends on Thursday June 16th, 2022 from 11:00am until time of Funeral Service 12:00pm at the Allen Park Chapel- Martenson Family of Funeral Homes, 10915 Allen Rd., Allen Park, MI 48101. Interment to follow at Michigan Memorial Park, Huron Twp., MI In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Trustbridge Hospice of Palm Beach County, 5300 East Avenue, West Palm Beach, Florida 33407