Age 81

Beloved husband of Vivian.

Loving father of Karen (John) Browning, Patricia (Gary) Jackson and John (Lisa) Gajda.

Cherished grandfather of Jessica Marino, Aryn (Doug) Manni, Buddy Jackson, Angela Browning, Alexis (Jim) Gregory, Katelyn (Alex Potter) Gajda, Ashley Gajda and Hunter Gajda.

Adored great grandfather of Johnathan Jackson, Kyleigh Beasley, Payzley Beasley, Ayveri Beasley, Jozye Manni, Locklynd Manni, Greyson Marino, Xander Marino, Carysn Potter and the late Camden Beasley.

Adored chosen children and grandchildren include Vicki, Jeff, Diane, Marco, Johnny, Arthur, Donna, Sarah, Cecilia, Brandon, Anna, Sophia, Bev, Brenda, Bonnie and Jim.

Loving Brother of, Cookie Prentice, Trudy Terrian, Debbie Cagle, the late James Hart, the late Raymond (Lenny) Hart and the late Clinton (Lornie) Hart.

He also had many nieces, nephews and neighborhood kids he adored.

Mr. Gajda was an Army Veteran and a  proud member of many organizations, such as UAW Local 600, Alhambra (known as "Ho-Bo John" he loved clowning for kids) , The Moose Lodge 2268 as Vice President, Knights of Columbus, American Legion, Detroit and Garden City  Police Reserves, GCYAA (Coach and equipment manager), President of the Garden City High School Band Boosters, Michigander CB club (known as "Big Boy"), North American Hunters Club, Hill Haven Lake Association, Board of Trustee with Surrey Township and helped with Clare County Road Commission, He was known as "Mayor" of Hill Haven Subdivision because he watched over all his neighbors. During High School he was active with the performing arts, ran track and field.

During down time, he loved to sit in his "man cave" and watch John Wayne movies, play poker, go to the casino, cut grass with his Kubota, plow snow, patrol the subdivision on his golf cart. He loved all animals, especially his dogs. Though he disliked religion he prayed to Jesus. He loved children and would help anyone in need, including putting a roof over their head, in his own home. He was a dad to all, kind, caring and loved, honored and respected by so many. He will truly be missed by all who know him.

Visitation Thursday from 2 pm until the 6 pm Funeral Service at the John N. Santeiu & Son Inc., 1139 N. Inkster Road, Garden City.