Oliver Raymond Relyea

Oliver Raymond Relyea, 98, a resident of Milton Township, passed away March 31st following complications from an accidental fall while wintering in Fairhope, Alabama. Oliver was born in Rochester Michigan January 12, 1920 the beloved only child of Floyd and Martha (Krell) Relyea.   An idyllic childhood was spent in this small town where his first job was helping at his dad’s car dealership on Main Street. Thus began a lifelong love of cars and the car business.   In 1940 he married Mary Catherine MacLean who predeceased him in 2015 after 75 years of marriage.   During the War, Oliver began building homes in Rochester-the first of which he had only a handsaw, hammer and square. The subdivision they began in 1950 (Ann Maria Drive) remains; the homes are a testament to Oliver's craftsmanship and integrity. In 1958 Oliver, Mary and their 3 girls moved to Florida and then to California as they enjoyed dabbling in entrepreneurial ventures. Returning to Michigan, Oliver worked at Jerome Duncan Ford Dealership for 10 years before retiring to their cottage on Torch Lake. Oliver and Mary enjoyed an amazing 40 year retirement together, building and remodeling homes on and around Torch Lake and Grand Traverse Bay.   Each winter, they vacationed in Florida and later the Gulf Coast, visiting friends and family. Oliver was a kind, gentle and gracious man who enjoyed his family, home, yard and minding his investments. His daughters were especially grateful for his unfailing ability to repair or remodel anything they needed. He remained mentally vigorous and independent and loved his newly adopted winter home in Fairhope. People who met him consistently noted the quality of his character and the gentleness of his spirit. He is predeceased by his father (1966), mother (1988) and beloved wife (2015) whom he missed greatly every day. He is survived by and will be missed and always lovingly remembered by daughters Donna (Richard) Immel of Moraga, CA, Ann (William) Pier of Loveland, OH and Michelle (Berry) Zeeman of Alden, MI, grandchildren Kristen, Kimberly, Kerry and Steven, seven great grandchildren, and family friend Jason Morrison. A funeral mass will be celebrated on June 22nd at 11:00, Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Elk Rapids Michigan. Oliver and Mary will be interred together at Mt. Avon Cemetery, Rochester Michigan the following week. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to Area on Aging Agency, Traverse City, Michigan (www.aaanm.org)   ARRANGEMENTS BY WOLFE-BAYVIEW FUNERAL HOMES & CREMATORY, INC. 19698 GREENO RD FAIRHOPE, AL 36532 (251) 990-7775