Daryl Sebastian

95, passed away peacefully Tuesday, August 28, 2018, with his family at his side. Daryl was born in Albion MI, the son of Harry William and Arla Junita (Folk). He graduated from Albion High School in 1940. He began a career in journalism as a reporter for the Albion Recorder. In 1943, Daryl joined the the Army as a member of the 3117 Signal Service Battalion, with advanced training at the University of Wisconsin. His was assigned to one of the few Signal Corp battalions with combat training. Daryl was stationed on Iwo Jima as a member of a joint assault signal unit (JASCO) and remained on the Island until the end of war. Among the medals he received was the meritorious unit award with a gold star and Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon with a bronze star. After the service, Daryl resumed his journalism career, serving as a reporter and editor in Battle Creek MI, Portland OR, Sturgeon Bay WI and Jackson MI. From 1954 to 1967 he served as news director and later assistant general manager at the television stations in Cadillac MI and Sault Ste Marie MI. In 1967, a few years after Fetzer Broadcasting bought these TV stations, he was transferred to the company's headquarters in Kalamazoo MI as the public affairs director. He retired in 1989. Daryl was very active in the communities in which he lived and worked. In Kalamazoo, he was most proud of his 40 years of membership in the Downtown Kiwanis Club. He was also a regular volunteer at the Pretty Lake Vacation Camp and always felt the camp was very special. Daryl was preceded in death by his wife, Nancy Blair (Cook) who passed on 4-22-2000, his infant son David, his 3 brothers Wendell, Orval and Lynn and grandson, Gabriel. He is survived by sons Blair of New York and Douglas of Montana, and daughters Sue and Peggy of Michigan. He is also survived by grandchildren Christian, Stacie, McKenzie and Carley as well as many great-grand children, nieces and nephews. An informal memorial open house will be held at the Fetzer Center, 2251 Business Court (WMU campus) in the Atrium Lobby on Sunday, September 16 from 3 pm to 6 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be sent in his name to the Pretty Lake Vacation Camp at www.prettylakecamp.org. Daryl was a wonderful father and loving husband. He was dedicated to his career and to making the community he lived in a better place. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends and caregivers. Daryl's ashes will be buried at the Albion Riverside Cemetery along side his wife, son, mother and father at a later date.