Carman Washburn
July 27, 1940 - November 10, 2019
Obituary
Carman “Cart” Arthur Washburn passed away peacefully at Health Source, on Sunday, November 10, 2019. He was 79 years old. He was born on July 27, 1940 in Saginaw, Michigan to the late Carman Anderson and Helen Louise (Schirmer) Washburn. He married Patricia Polzin on August 1, 1964; she survives him. Cart graduated with a degree in residential building from Michigan State University and Saginaw Valley State University, obtaining a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He worked as a contracted engineer in the auto industry and retired in 2006.
He was a sailor, a pilot with a Certified Flight Instructor rating, a member of Saginaw Ham Radio Club using Morse Code to communicate with people around the world, a skier serving on the Ski Patrol at Bintz Apple Mountain for many years, a sometimes golfer, and a member of Shields Lion Club.
Cart is remembered by family and friends for his story-telling, sense of humor, and was nicknamed “MacGyver” by his family and friends for his ability to fix most anything.
Surviving are his loving wife of 55 years, Patricia (Polzin) Washburn; two daughters, Barbara (Nick) Christophilopolous and Nancy Knapp; grandchildren Zera Knapp, Teresa Knapp, and Zane Knapp; two sisters and three brothers, Judy (James) Davis, Denver, CO, Janet (Stephen) Swanson, Boyne City, MI, Stuart (Annie) Washburn, Merrimac, MA, and Robert (Pamela) Washburn, Petoskey, MI, sister-in-law Elizabeth Smith Washburn, Boyne City, MI; and several nieces and nephews. Cart was predeceased by his youngest brother, Douglas Washburn.
Following his death, Cart continued giving to others by donating his brain to the University of Michigan for medical research.
There will be a Celebration of Life on Thursday, the 21st of November from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 pm at the Sawmill Pub and Grill, 19 Sawmill Blvd., Saginaw, MI 48603.
Those planning on an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to the Saginaw Community Foundation General Scholarship Fund, https://saginawfoundation.thankyou4caring.org/scf or by calling 989-755-0545.
For information, please contact Fischer Family Funeral Services, 989-755-8277. To express your condolences, please visit www.fischerfuneral.com
He was a sailor, a pilot with a Certified Flight Instructor rating, a member of Saginaw Ham Radio Club using Morse Code to communicate with people around the world, a skier serving on the Ski Patrol at Bintz Apple Mountain for many years, a sometimes golfer, and a member of Shields Lion Club.
Cart is remembered by family and friends for his story-telling, sense of humor, and was nicknamed “MacGyver” by his family and friends for his ability to fix most anything.
Surviving are his loving wife of 55 years, Patricia (Polzin) Washburn; two daughters, Barbara (Nick) Christophilopolous and Nancy Knapp; grandchildren Zera Knapp, Teresa Knapp, and Zane Knapp; two sisters and three brothers, Judy (James) Davis, Denver, CO, Janet (Stephen) Swanson, Boyne City, MI, Stuart (Annie) Washburn, Merrimac, MA, and Robert (Pamela) Washburn, Petoskey, MI, sister-in-law Elizabeth Smith Washburn, Boyne City, MI; and several nieces and nephews. Cart was predeceased by his youngest brother, Douglas Washburn.
Following his death, Cart continued giving to others by donating his brain to the University of Michigan for medical research.
There will be a Celebration of Life on Thursday, the 21st of November from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 pm at the Sawmill Pub and Grill, 19 Sawmill Blvd., Saginaw, MI 48603.
Those planning on an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to the Saginaw Community Foundation General Scholarship Fund, https://saginawfoundation.thankyou4caring.org/scf or by calling 989-755-0545.
For information, please contact Fischer Family Funeral Services, 989-755-8277. To express your condolences, please visit www.fischerfuneral.com
Events
There are no events for Carman yet.
Photos
No photos of Carman have been shared yet.
Memories
SB
Shana Bielby
Other •
Pat, Thinking of you at this difficult time. May your wonderful memories of Cart be of comfort to you now and always.
Shana Bielby
DM
David Mieras
Other •
To the family of Carmen (Cart) Washburn
My deepest condolences.
I will always remember the good times at the Warehouse where Cart tried to marry me off to all the eligible females in Saginaw.!!
David Mieras
CR
Courtney Rogers
Other •
He was a second father to me. No one can tell a story like Cart. He was boisterous, but caring, he was a gentle giant to those he held close. He was a master at many trades. You always called on him for help to figure something out. The one thing I'll miss the most is the ability to make my dad laugh. I love you Cart, and the world will never be the same without you...your laughter, love and story tellingtwo_hearts
CO
Carol Wolinski Ott
Other •
Pat, so sorry to hear of your loss. Although I never met your husband, sounds like he was a great guy. Deepest sympathy to you and your family. Carol (Wolinski) Ott
DS
Dianne Shappee-Roggow
Other •
Dearest Pat,
We are so sad to say goodbye to Cart.
He was one of the good guys that is certain.
Cart was a kind and caring neighbor, always willing to help others, or join in any social times available.
He will be greatly missed as a positive and fantastically fun guy to be with , gracious and kind to all.
Sending you love and strength as you move forward through life.
Ron and Dianne.
AP
Annette Preston
Other •
I am so sorry for your loss, Pat and family. I remember Cart as a very tall, very handsome and distinguished man. I know this has been so hard on you and I just hope you will find comfort and peace. Fondly, Annette Preston