Harry Wallin
Mr. Harry Wallin, age 75, of Vermontville, MI passed away peacefully on April 15, 2025, at Regency at Lansing West in Lansing, MI.
Harry was born in Cleveland, OH, on December 31, 1949, the son of the late Lois (Langmead) and Harold Wallin. Harry attended local schools, graduating from Brecksville High School in 1968. He continued his education at the University of Michigan where he received a bachelor’s degree as a Naturalist in 1972. He later earned his teaching degree from Michigan State University. While at U of M, Harry was active in the Wesley Foundation and later served on the Board of the same Wesley Foundation.
After completing his education, Harry began working for Cleveland Metro Parks where he worked for over five years. Harry relocated to Jackson and Lansing areas where he worked in various restaurants, retail stores and at Woldemar Nature Center.
In September 1994, while volunteering in the “Walk to Emmaus” event he met the love of his life Elnora (Rairigh) Sayer. Harry and Elnora were married on April 29, 1995, and made their home together in Vermontville. Harry continued his career as a substitute teacher for Lakewood Public Schools. Harry was well loved by the students and was highly respected by teachers and staff. Harry especially enjoyed using his science background teaching middle school but was willing to fill in wherever he was needed.
In his spare time, Harry enjoyed being outdoors bird watching and exploring all over the state of Michigan. Harry loved music and enjoyed singing in the Lakewood Area Choral Society and playing his Baritone with the Thornapple Wind Band and Hastings City Band. Harry was a member of the Nashville United Methodist Church and through the years has served on the church board, the worship committee, and teaching Bible study, or wherever the Lord called him to serve.
Harry is survived by his beloved wife Elnora, his stepchildren Drew (Rachael) Sayer, Craig (Erika) Sayer, Barry (Nahwal) Sayer; siblings John (Mary) Wallin, Pete (Dae) Wallin. Harry was especially proud to be a grandpa to Cuerstan (Jacob), Alicia, Cameron (Izzy), Sean, Corbin, Bailey, Cierra, Emerson, Hunter and Cohin. And great-grandpa to Liam, Kaizley, Peyton, and Kylian. He is also survived his mother-in-law, Marjory Rairigh; brother-in-law, Dallas Rairigh; and sister-in-law, Nola (Mark) Payne, and multiple nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his father-in-law Vivian Rairigh; and his brother-in-law, Randy Rairigh.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday May 17, at 12 p.m. at the Nashville United Methodist Church with his brother-in-law, Rev. Mark Payne, officiating.
The family will receive visitors one hour prior to service beginning at 11 a.m. at the Nashville United Methodist Church.
Guests are invited to remain at the church for a time of fellowship and luncheon immediately following the memorial service.
In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation in Harry’s name to the Wesley Foundation of University of Michigan, Lakewood Area Choral Society or Thornapple Wind Band, or a charity of your choice that supports nature, LGBTQI youth or underserved people.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the Daniels Funeral Home – Nashville, conveniently located at 9200 E M79 Hwy, Nashville, MI. For more information, please visit our website at www.danielsfuneralhome.net.