ALMA -- Alma residents turned out for a touching tribute at the former Alma Middle School Friday. The occasion was to honor the district’s former superintendent Don Pavlik, by renaming the school the Donald L. Pavlik Middle School; a fitting honor for a man who many say put others before himself.
”It’s truly an honor. Don would have been extremely proud,” said his brother Lew Pavlik. Don Pavlik and three others including his wife Irene died last July when the plane they were riding in crashed into Lake Michigan, off the coast of Ludington.
Pavlik was being flown to Minnesota for cancer treatment on a Wings of Mercy flight with his friend, Dr. James Hall. The flight was piloted by Jerry Freed of Alma, who became the lone survivor. His co-pilot Earl Davidson also died.
“It’s been a struggle for the whole family,” Lew Pavlik said. “Every time you turn around something reminds you of him.”
Many in attendance were students that knew and loved Pavlik. His staff members were also there, honoring a man they credited for turning the school district around from tough financial times.
“He was so easy-going and calm; always in a good mood. Just great to work with,” said his former secretary Wendy Guyette. She was a friend of his for 17 years. She and many others also took the moment to honor the others who passed away on that fateful day.
“Each and every one of them did something special,” said Alma School Board President Art McClintic. “They were all part of the community. The people in that plane were all good friends.”
