Gregory Dean Girard

In the early hours of June 17th, 2025, Gregory Dean Girard, 73 of Cadillac, passed west into the sunset beyond the horizon as all aviators eventually do.

Greg was born on February 16, 1952 to Wilbert and Eileen (Painter) Girard in Trenton, Michigan.

On January 22, 1977, he entered into marriage with JoAnne (Page) Girard in Harbor Springs, Michigan.

Greg is survived by his wife, JoAnne Girard; children, Heather (Rob) Krainik and Kevin (Heather) Girard; grandchildren, Jackson Girard and Jake Girard; siblings, Randell (Debra) Girard and Cathy (Steve) Zima; numerous nieces and nephews; and many other loving family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Wilbert and Eileen Girard.

Greg was a graduate from  Petoskey High School, Class of 1970. He earned his Bachelor’s degree making the Deans List from Northern Michigan University through ROTC as a Second Lieutenant in 1977, an accomplishment that prepared him for his service and leadership in the years that followed. 

Gregory Dean Girard proudly served his country as a United States Marine Corps Naval aviator, pinned with his wings on April 25, 1980. As a skilled fighter pilot, he flew both the F-4 Phantom and the F/A-18 Hornet, and was a distinguished graduate of the elite Navy Fighter Weapons School - TOPGUN. During his military career, Greg was assigned to VMFA 122 and the VMFA 312, where he earned the respect of his peers for his dedication, discipline, and exceptional flying ability. His achievements include: Commodores list (top 10%) in flight school, Section Leader, Division Leader, Mission Commander, Low Altitude Tactics Instructor, Air Combat Tactics Instructor, TOPGUN Graduate, Weapons and Tactics Instructor, 2F88 and 2F132 Simulator Instructor, and and Special Instrument Rating. Greg resigned his commission in October 1988 holding the rank of major.

Following his military service, Greg continued his passion for aviation by flying as a Captain for American Airlines, where he skillfully piloted the Boeing 727, the McDonnell Douglas DC 10, and the McDonnell Douglas Super 80 Aircraft throughout his career in commercial aviation for 29 years until his time of retirement.

Greg lived and loved a life full of family, friends, brothers in arms, adventure and excitement.  He enjoyed boating, golfing, fishing trips to Mar Mac Lodge in Canada, watching birds at his feeders, telling jokes and being the life of the party. Above all, he cherished the time spent with his family and friends, especially his children and grandchildren.

Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Condolences and memories may be shared with the family online at www.Hitesman-Holdship.com.

The family is being served by Hitesman-Holdship Funeral Home.

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