Aaron Putnam

Aaron L. Putnam

Obituary

Aaron L. Putnam, of Ada, Michigan, born March 31, 1951, in Caro, Michigan, to Peter W. and June S. Putnam, passed away peacefully on August 18, 2024. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and brother. Aaron resided with his wife, Linda (Inman) Putnam, at their home in Ada, Michigan. Aaron's love for his family and friends was the guiding force in everything he did. All who knew him will deeply feel his absence.

Born with a passion for the outdoors, Aaron, the eldest of the Putnam family brothers and sister, was an avid sportsman and star football player for Caro High School, who found joy in hiking, canoeing, archery, and gun hunting, trapping, running beagles, and fishing. Some of those interests took him on adventures in Mexico,  Canada, and Alaska. Later in life, he developed a passion for golf, which stemmed from his professional years of constructing golf courses. Some of his most cherished memories were golfing with his stepson, Steven, and/or grandson-in-law, Nicholas. Whether in the quiet of the woods or on the calm waters, he was happiest surrounded by nature's beauty.

His love for the land extended to his life on the farm,colloquially known as Walnut Hill, where Aaron enjoyed the simple pleasures of rural living in Ada with his family. It is there where he focused his pursuits and brought many dreams to fruition. Alongside his wife they raised a family and taught the kids the value of hard work. They raised pigs for the fair and table. They raised rabbits and champion beagles for show and companionship. Aaron shaped and manicured an impeccable yard that reflected his work on the courses, complete with an artificial pond that he stocked with various fish, but mostly bluegill. He immensely enjoyed sitting on the dock and feeding the fish after a long day's work to reflect on life's blessings. A simple conversation with Aaron revealed that everything he did was with purpose, right down to the rose bushes planted near the pond in honor of his mother, June.

Aaron enjoyed working with his hands, like his father before him, and was a skilled woodworker, spending countless hours crafting with care and precision. He often spoke of how he hoped for the quality of his crafted wood pieces to last 100 years beyond him. His creations will be treasured for years, as will the memories he made with his friends and family. His favorite quotes were: "Dime Waiting on a Dollar", and "You're Burning Daylight."

Aaron also had an affinity for games of strategy involving risk and rarely shied from wagering on a ball game or a good-looking spunky horse. He never missed Derby Day, an event heand his wife thoroughly enjoyed. You could always count him in for a friendly game of cards, and he often looked forward to hosting a poker game with close friends and family. After hunting, there was a poker season; many Sundays were spent in the pole barn/shop with Aaron and his closest friends, especially Russell Jastifer, playing cards, watching sports, and listening to good music. Some of his favorite songs were "Crimson and Clover" by Tommy James & the Shondells, “Money for Nothing” by Dire Straits, and "Old Man Look at My Life" by Neil Young.

Aaron was preceded in death by his father, Peter W. Putnam; mother, June S. Putnam; daughter, Lynn (Woodhead) Moore;son, Steven Woodhead; and grandson, Lucas Heacock. He is survived by his devoted wife, Linda Putnam; his stepdaughter, Kate Woodhead; his grandchildren, Kasey (Nicholas) Olchowski, Kelsey Stevens, Zach Bauman, Lauren Woodhead, Kole Woodhead, and Lyric Moore; and his great-granddaughters, Eleanor and Emilia Olchowski. Aaron also leaves behind his loving four brothers, Mark R. Putnam, Timothy W. Putnam, David A. Putnam, Daniel J. Putnam, andhis sister, Melody A. Crossett. He had many nieces and nephews, whom he was deeply proud of, and many in-laws he adored.

Aaron's legacy is love, dedication, forgiveness, acceptance, gratitude, and a deep connection to the land, nature, faith, and family. He will be remembered for his gentle spirit, unwavering commitment to those he loved, and the joy he found in life's simple pleasures.

A gathering in Remembrance of Aaron Putnam will be held in Lowell, Michigan, at Tri-Town Conservation Club (5616 Dunn Ave. N.E., Lowell, MI 49331) for friends and family on October 26, 2024. In place of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to a charity of your choice in Aaron's name as a tribute to the kindness and generosity he embodied throughout his life.