Kenneth MacColman

MacColman, Kenneth, age 91, of Royal Oak, died November 14, 2013.
Beloved husband of Carolyn for 63 years. Loving father of Robin Burkeen and Daniel Dorrie MacColman. Proud grandfather of Drew and Delaney MacColman, and adopted grandchildren, Domnic, Liam, Moria, Madigan, Aidan, Ronan, Aibgail and Andrew. Also survived by his best friend, Lacey. Memorial service Saturday, November 23, 2013 at 12 noon at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 810 N. Campbell Road at Gardenia, Royal Oak. Family will receive friends beginning at 11:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church or Michigan Humane Society are appreciated. Arrangements by Wm. Sullivan & Son Funeral Home, Royal Oak, 248-541-7000. Share your memories at www.sullivanfuneraldirectors.com. The Life of Kenneth MacColman -- Ken was born August 17, 1922 in Detroit and moved to Royal Oak when he was 2 years old. He lived at the corner of 11 Mile Road and Gainsborough. During his childhood his father owned a gas station on the south east corner of 11 Mile and Campbell. Ken and his 2 brothers helped at the business as youngsters. Ken, at 9 years of age, ran the icehouse in those days nobody had a refrigerator. He went to Grant Elementary School, Royal Oak Junior High and graduated from Royal Oak High School in January 1941. After graduation he and his brothers worked with their father at the station until being drafted into the Army. Ken served from December 1942 to January 1946. He fought in the South Pacific earning several awards, including the Bronze Star. He attained the rank of Sergeant. After being discharged from the Army he came home and his father retired up north. The MacColman brothers then became owners of Mac Tire and Battery Service. In 1949, he met Carolyn Wolfe and they were married in 1950. Their daughter Robin was born in 1951 and they bought their newly/present home at 703 N. Campbell. Their son Daniel was born in 1954. Ken continued to own the service station until 1971. He retired at age 49, but had various part-time jobs, including Fertilese Lawn Spray, as a bank courier for Wayne Oakland Bank, and finally became a crossing guard at Farnum and Campbell, Gardenia and Campbell and lastly at Crooks and Houstonia. After about 10 years of helping children cross busy intersections, he really retired. Then he became a walker, walking 4 to 5 miles a day, including Sunday wearing many tennis shoes out. He continued his walking until he was about 87 to 88 years old. He then stopped walking due to health issues. He missed his walks but became an avid reader; reading 4 to 5 books a week and every newspaper available. About 4 months ago he was no longer able to read books because of his memory failing, but continued to read newspapers and watch TV. He was a TRUE Tiger fan and never missed watching a game on TV hoping that this year they would make it to the World Series. Ken and Carolyn were married for more than 63 years proving that it was the right match. Ken's life on earth ended November 14, 2013 at Wm. Beaumont Hospital.