Former USTA director John Surbrook, 82, dies

Columbus, OH — John Ludlow Surbrook, 82, of Rives Junction, Mich., died March 10, 2022, under the loving care of hospice after a long illness.

John Surbrook died March 10, 2022. USTA photo.

Mr. Surbrook was born Nov. 1, 1939, the son of Floyd and Hazel Surbrook, who preceded him in death. He was a graduate of Jackson High School and Michigan State University and was an avid Spartan fan.

He dedicated his life to his passions — his farm, his community, his horses, and his family. He owned and operated Surbrook Farms while at the same time starting The Beef Barn which he owned and operated for more than 50 years.

He proudly served his community as a fire chief at the Rives–Tompkins Fire Department and as a member of the Board of Review for Tompkins Township.

Mr. Surbrook also served as a director of the United States Trotting Association.

His work was his hobby — farming and Standardbred horse racing.

He will be remembered as being patient, loving, hardworking, and kind.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Dee; children, Steve and Julie Duffey (Ron Williams); grandchildren, Becky, Tucker (Debbie), Parker (Carly), Sidnee (Jason) Secord, John Duffey, Zachary (Jaci Ion), and Jordon (Josh) Neuland; great-grandchildren, Raegan, Morgan, Truman, Emma, Briggs, Ruthie, Willow, Aspen, Hadley, Molly, Briar, Hudson and Rowan; and brothers, Gerald (Barbara) and Truman (Mary).

A funeral service honoring John’s life will be held on Wednesday (March 16) at 11 a.m. at Vickers Leslie Funeral Home located at 109 N. Church Street in Leslie, Mich., with Pastor John Marr officiating. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday (March 15) from 5-8 p.m. and one hour prior to the service. John will be laid to rest at Draper Cemetery immediately following the service. Honored to serve as pallbearers are Tucker Surbrook, Parker Surbrook, Zachary Surbrook, John Duffey, Josh Neuland, and Jason Secord. A time for sharing love, laughter, and tears will be provided at a luncheon at Rives Baptist Church following the burial.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Rives-Tompkins Fire Department, 7975 Woodard Rd., Rives Junction, MI 49277.

Arrangements entrusted to Vickers Leslie Funeral Home, P.O. Box 503, Leslie, MI 49251, 517.878.6600.

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