John Briggs

John Irving Briggs, 62, passed away in his sleep on Friday, February 7th, 2015.

John was born in Hyannis, Massachusetts, on June 22nd 1952, son of the late Irving and Marjorie Briggs. Some of John’s best memories of childhood were made on the water: playing hockey on nearby Simmons pond in winter, and exploring the open ocean in the Beetlecat sailboats on Hyannis Port beach in summer. These early experiences would chart a course for John later in life.

On a midnight bicycle ride to Provincetown, Massachusetts, he met the love of his life Nancy, and moved to Traverse City, Michigan. They shared over 33 years of marriage and countless adventures large and small. The lights of their lives were their children, Tyler and Christian.

A true man of the sea, he was a longtime member of the Traverse City Yacht Club, an avid sailboat racer, and a successful salesman in the maritime industry. John’s passion for the outdoors was infectious, and he loved motivating people about upcoming activities. John found joy in seeking out demanding physical challenges, from thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail in five months to competing in the Laser World Masters’ Championship in Hyannis.

He is survived by his wife Nancy, sons Tyler and Christian; brother Steve, his children Derek and Mandy; and sister Amy Salvo, and her children Luke and Sage.

The service will be held Monday, February 16th, 2015 at the Presbyterian Church on Airport Access road in Traverse City, starting at 11:00 am. Doors will open at 10:00 am for family to welcome friends. A light luncheon will follow the service. Contributions to the family can be made through the donation website gofundme.com. Please visit John's webpage at www.lifestorytc.com to sign the guest book, share a message and more. The family chose Life Story Funeral Home, Traverse City.