Jeff’s parents, George and Carol, came to Taylor in 1955 after George spent two years in Germany serving in the U. S. Air Force.  Purchasing a house on Buck Street in the northwest corner of Ecorse and Telegraph they laid the roots of a blossoming family.  George was working for Ford Motor Company and Carol was taking care of the growing family.  George helped coach little league baseball teams and Carol spent many years as Cub/Boy Scout den mother.

 

 

Like many families in Taylor, the Lamarand’s managed a large family quite well in their modest home.  By the time George and Carol brought Jeff home from the hospital the house was all but busting at the seams.  (Of course, the older siblings were wondering where they were going to put this one.)

 

George and Carol were members of St. Alfred’s parish and the Democratic Club of Taylor.

George has been enjoying his retirement in Florida with his current wife, Carole (Nelson), for the past 15 years. 

Carol is now living in Westland, also enjoying retirement.

 

Jeff, the youngest of the seven children, developed a strong sense of responsibility from the experiences and relationships he has with his family.

 

Lori, the oldest of the children and a 1972 graduate of Taylor Center H.S., married Randy Cartwright in 1972 and they have one son, Chad.  Both are now retired and living in Arizona.

 

Dave followed his sister through TC, graduating in ’73 and like so many from this region at that time, he was able to land a job with General Motors.  Dave married Connie Blades in 1975 and they had three children, David, Chris, and Alisha.  Dave, now retired, served UAW Local 22 as a committeeman and currently lives in Livonia.  He is also a proud grandfather of 4.

 

Dan was next to make his way through TC (’74) and was also able to land a job with GM.  Like Dave, Dan is now a retired member of UAW Local 22.  Married 25 years to Pam (Pruett) they still reside in Taylor.

Gary graduated in 1977 and worked his way through college doing construction.  He completed a degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor in 1984.  After a stint with IBM, he started his own construction company in 1991 and has been operating in Taylor ever since.  In 1994, Gary married Cornelia (Corie) Howell.  They are also proud grandparents.  Gary held an appointment on the Water & Sewer commission until 2006. 

 

Jim, an ’81 graduate of TC, was a member of the wrestling team.  Jim has three children, Matt, Nolan, and Chelsea.  Jim has worked in the air freight industry for the last 25 years.  After owning the family home on Buck St. for many years, Jim reinvested in another residence in the city.

John graduated in 1984 and now works as an independent contractor.  John has two sons, Zachary and Justin.