Henry T. “Hank” Gignac age 61, of Cascade, passed away on Friday, April 17, 2020. He was preceded in death by his father, Henry L.; father-in-law, Edward J. Masterka; and mother-in-law, Gerry Masterka. Hank is survived by his wife of 37 years, Sue; children, Lauren (Zack Mellema) Gignac, John (Megan) Gignac, and Marcus (Emily Sexton) Gignac; grandchildren, Addyson & Colton Mellema and Caroline Gignac; mother, Pat Gignac; sister-in-law, Paula (Norm) Boegner; brother-in-law, Edward C. Masterka. Because of the state statutes right now, a funeral will be put off until further notice. These are unknown times, but please pray for us, and the incredible healthcare people who are working two shifts in unbelievable circumstances. Memorial contributions may be made to https://whitecapscommunityfoundation.org, Hank was a season ticket holder since the inaugural season of the whitecaps, and he spent his summers with them. This donation would go to children and families for social activities in the Grand Rapids area, https://endeavorhouseministries.com, Hank was a big supporter of this ministry, helping men and women with addiction. It is overwhelmingly successful, and Mike Keenoy (family), has made it his life mission, or https://mackenzies.info, Hank and Sue love dogs, and have adopted from them. Sue has volunteered with them over the past 15 years, the shelter cares for dogs and gets them ready for adoption.
37 Responses
Sue and Family, We are so sorry for your loss, Hank was a Wonderful man and will be truly missed by many,
I’m very sorry for your loss. I realize you are all missing Hank so much! The situation surrounding his illness that led to his death is beyond what anyone should endure. My heart goes out to Sue and family. Hank is at peace. Knowing that he was loved by family and friends. Hank will remain in your hearts and the many memories of those “special moments” that you shared. Praying for peace and comfort as you continue on with your lives.
Rest in Peace Mr. Gignac. Thank you for everything you did for those you loved. You will be greatly missed. I am a better man for having known you. Thank you.
Are thoughts and prayers go out to the family. The world has lost a great person. I am a better person because of knowing him. Working for Him felt like family .
Our heart and prayers are with you. This evil killer has left a hole in our lives. Hank’s beautiful legacy lives on in all of you.
May God’s Grace and Peace be with you all.in this time of sorrow.
RIP Cousin. Way too soon…
Love and prayers go out to all of you. He was such a wonderful person and will be greatly missed.
Always a hero to me. Love Mike, April and Micah (Mm&A)
Hank, let me start by saying you’re an amazing, generous man. I once heard someone say that any great and loving man can be a father even if they are not related by blood. You are that man. You became a second father to me. I learned more about family and responsibility from you than anyone else in my life. I never felt like the nanny. You always made me feel like family; like the oldest of three outstanding kids! I know you’re with God but my heart is still breaking not to have you here. Thank you for all you have ever done for me! Rest In Peace, Hank.
May you feel the loving arms of God around you. Our hearts ache for all of you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Ron and Nancy Parzych.
Sending love to the Gignac family during this difficult time .
Prayers to the Gignac family for your terrible loss. Hank was always gracious & friendly to all those he met. He was wonderful with all the boys on his baseball teams motivating them & lifting them up with positive support. Hank will be missed but left an incredible impact on all those that got to spend time around him.
Blessings to each of you and God’s peace
Rita and I as well as our entire family are so saddened by Hank no longer being with us. Hank, and family, have always been so positive, caring and always have smiles on their faces. This picture of Hank is the way I always saw him. We will keep our thoughts and prayers for Sue and her family as they try to understand this tragedy.
It is an absolute privilege for me to witness how the dear family of Hank (my husband’s favorite first cousin) is handling an absolutely unbelievable turn of events that no one could see coming. Only the good die young is a saying that would certainly apply here as all could see what a good man walked this earth, this life, as Hank T. Gignac. What can I say to console you, dear family? I send my thoughts and prayers and hugs, and want you to know that Hank’s legacy is clearly visible in you. You all are your own testimony to the beautiful family that has grown up grafted to and hewn from the gentle giant of your Dad, Husband, GrandDad … May God grant you Peace and Healing at this time.
Hank You will be missed, but never forgotten! I thank you for your kindness, guidance, strong and fair demeanor, knowledge, insight, love of sports (Go Green!) and family. I will miss Our conversations about Boyne and sports and our family’s . You brought out the best in me. To know Hank was to know strength ,courage, drive, happiness, knowledge and Love. Thank you Boss, friend, coworker, teammate for being you. You will be missed but Never Forgotten!
Sue and family, My heart breaks for you in this time of severe sadness. You are in my thoughts and prayers in this time of sorrow. Hugs to all of you.
So sorry for your loss. Your family is in our prayers. Steve and Lisa Phillips
Sue,
I’m so very sorry for your loss! I have such fond memories of Monday night softball with all the guys! Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sending blessings for your entire family. May God give you all a full measure of comfort.
Many prayers and condolences to your family.
(Cascade Springs neighborhood)
He will be dearly missed and always loved. Strength to your family. Hugs to all. ❤
MY prayers are with you all , so very sorry and may you draw strength from God during this time.
It has been since high school since I have seen Hank and I still remember him as the nicest man I have ever known. I hope and pray that his presence is with you for all the rest of your days and wish you peace and love.
Hank, I did not know you, and I barely know your son, but I do know that Marcus seems to be a classy guy (at least that what Emily says), and know from what I read, he adored you and has provided testimonials that you were a dedicated and thoughtful father and husband. It’s much to early to say goodbye, but know that the impact you have made on the world shines through Marcus and your other children. Godspeed.
To Marcus, and the rest of the family. I cannot even imagine how sudden, confusing, and challenging this is for you. I am sorry. I wish you were not having to deal with this, in this way. As you deal with your grief, take moments to remember what your dad has done and how it has shaped you. Take those values and apply them to your life when you can, and your dad’s legacy will live on.
Gignac Family… our hearts are broken for you. We have wonderful memories of hours spent on the bleachers watching our girls play basketball. We are praying for you that God wraps you up in HIS love and you will find peace.
John and Gail Evans
Lauren and family, may God wrap you all in his arms during this time of saddness and bless you all with strength and peace. Sending my love and prayers through this extremely difficult time. God bless!
Praying for you all. Hank will be missed terribly by your West Michigan Whitecaps family.
We are Very sorry for your loss. Hank will be missed by all of us in the wood industry.
I will remember his Smile!!
Peace be with you all.
Sue, John and the Gignac Family,
Shari and I were so sorry to hear about Hank’s passing. May God comfort and uplift your family during this difficult time. We have so many fond memories of chasing the kids to every baseball field in southern Michigan. It was certainly a highlight of all our lives. Hank was an wonderful father, coach and mentor. He will be missed greatly by all who knew him.
Sue, I am at a loss for words. Hank’s family is truly one of the great ones. Honored to have spent so much time with you all as our boys grew up playing baseball together. Coaching many years with Hank has left me with a lot fond memories. A true shining star. Thank you for the Facebook updates, Marcus. You are a brave young man.
All of us at Mackenzie’s love you very much and send our deepest condolences. You and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Dear Sue,
I am deeply saddened to hear about your husband, Hank, losing his fight against this terrible scourge. You have my sincere sympathy, and know that your strong faith in God, will be of great solace to you and your family. Hugs!
Katie
Sue,
I am not good with words in these types of situations. No words can help. You have a beautiful spirit and you have a lifetime of memories to cherish. Hank will always be with you. Sending you so much love.
Sue, words fail me. Your Mackenzies family is holding you tight in our hearts and reaching out to you during this time of heartbreak.
Dear Suzanne, I was so shocked and deeply saddened to read this terrible news. It has been many years since you taught my daughter but your kindness I have never forgotten.
I am so very sorry for you and your children and may God hold you all in the palm of his hand and bless you.
With great sympathy, Mary Ann Coroneos
Prayers for Hank and all of his family and friends. He is a great man and was a positive influence in the world.