John Francis Paquin

John F. Paquin, affectionately known as Jack, 84 of Gaylord, peacefully passed away Saturday, May 24, 2026 at McReynolds Hall in Gaylord.

Born June 2, 1941, at home in Wolverine, Jack was the only son of Francis P and Genevieve L (Hayworth) Paquin. He was a lifelong area resident. The family moved to Vanderbilt where he and his sisters all received their education. Jack loved sports & was part of the football & basketball teams. His school spirit further developed as he was a member of the Vanderbilt High School Band. After graduating from Vanderbilt's senior class of 1959, Jack followed his dreams to serve his country & enlisted in the United States Navy from 1959 to 1963. He proudly served on the USS COTTEN & became one of the sailors of the decommission crew of the COTTEN. Jack next served aboard the USS SAMPSON becoming a plank owner and a member of the USS SAMPSON's Commissioning crew. His time spent in the service as a Machinist Mate, which became one of the proudest events of his life.

After returning home from the service, Jack worked in Vanderbilt for his dad at Francis's Service Station, where he perfected his skills as a mechanic. Jack became highly respected for his strong work ethic, the quality of his work, and his expertise and honesty. He then took his skills to Shell Oil company becoming an independent contractor. Through his work for Shell, he became a master mechanic, master welder and fabricator. He built multiple different types of seismograph vehicles and jug trucks for the Shell Oil company during his career His work took him around the country. After retiring from Shell Oil, Jack went on to build his own very successful business, Paquin Auto & Truck Repair located in Kingston, Oklahoma. The call of home became too strong, so he was very happy to return home to his roots and building another Paquin's Auto and Truck Repair. He was a strong man & even retirement couldn't keep him from his enjoyment of working.

Jack found joy in all sports. NASCAR, all professional & hometown sports, is what he was passionate about. As a younger man, his passion was racing. He became the winning driver of a car (number 88 then 89) owned by the Bunker family. Dave, Rita & the entire family became very close friends. A winning combination was formed. Jack won many regular races & feature races. He became one of the winningest drivers for his time. He received several trophies as he won many championships. It was Paquin the Penguin that all racers pursuing to overcome for the win, whether in a championship race or just trying for that black & white checkered flag on a normal weekend feature. Jack had a highly competitive spirit, working to excel in everything he did. Bowling was another sport he excelled at. He would bowl in many local competitions and received many accolades and high game patches. Jack was also an avid hunter, going out every season trying to haul out that big buck with John, his brother-in-law. Detroit Tigers and Detroit Lions were his favorites. It wasn't just professional sports that he fervently followed, he was a great fan of Gaylord's St. Mary Athletics. He was often found attending, watching highlights and intently following the games, scores and stats of the football, basketball & baseball teams. He really was a lifelong sports fanatic with great pride in his home teams. Jack loved fishing with his buddies too, perch was his favorite.

During Jack's time home after his honorable discharge from the Navy, he met & fell in love with Margaret Crandell. They were married on February 15, 1969. Bringing their his & hers (children) together they finally had an ours, a baby girl (Jackie). Unfortunately, after many years of marriage Margaret passed away on February 16, 1997. After a couple years of sorrow and depression Jack still wanted love and companionship in his life. Jack was blessed by the Lord when he met Susan (Michelson) Meeder. Having also lost her spouse, Jack and Sue were happy to find love again with each other. The couple had a sweet and intimate ceremony celebrating their love marrying on July 16, 1999.

Jack led a very happy and active life. He was surrounded by friends, loved ones and perfect strangers all of whom would leave any conversation or time spent with him happier, wiser, or with a little pain in their ribs from laughing so hard at his comments or little jokes he'd sneak into the conversation. He was the consonant joker. Jack was always busy, occasionally taking little side jobs or working on others vehicles. He found joy in building rocking chairs for the grandkids or just projects for around the house. He loved working with his hands. He had been building bird houses that were so detailed. He painted them to look like the little house you might see in your neighborhood. He was very creative. Jack was ambitious and driven in every aspect of his life. He is greatly missed while we are grateful for the peace we know he has received at our Lord's side.

In addition his wife, Sue, Jack is survived by his children, Russ (Laura) Paquin of Swartz Creek, and Jackie Sue (Tim) Winchester of Marshall, TX; grandchildren, Derek Paquin, Alyssa (Jason) Cole, Lexi (Ryan) Doemer, Keegan (Kortney) Winchester, and Macie (Ian) Siimpson-Winchester; and eight great grandchildren, with his eighth delivered two days after her great grandfather's passing. Also surviving are sisters, Linda Burr of Wolverine, Darlene Badeur of Gaylord, and Jill (John) Wyer of Gaylord; brothers-in-law, Skip Howard and several nieces and nephews. He also left behind his little buddy, Sampson, his year old Pomeranian.

In addition to his parents, Jack was also preceded in death by a son, James (Jim) Paquin; a daughter, Cora Ann Paquin; and sisters, Eleanor Bennett, Phyllis Howard, and Gayle (Paquin) Gordon.

Jack's family will honor his wishes for a brief private family graveside service, with military honors given by the United States Navy. Interment will be at Resurrection Cemetery.

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