A man of great wisdom, Dr. Melvin “Cy” Tessin greatly impacted the lives of many others in a signifi cant way. He was the kind of man who knew everybody and not surprisingly, everyone seemed to know him, too. With a strong work ethic that was unmatched, Cy worked in a few different fi elds

throughout his career and didn’t offi cially retire until he was 80! A man of faith, he was generous - almost to a fault as his heart truly beat to help others whether it was within his means or not. Although he traveled the world over, Cy savored the time he spent with those he loved more than anything else.

The 1920s became known as the “Roaring Twenties” due to exciting happenings that would forever change the cultural fabric of our nation. It was in 1928 that we were introduced to Mickey Mouse and the yo-yo, and Amelia Earhart became the fi rst woman to fl y solo over the Atlantic. This was the same year that there was great reason to celebrate for the family of Carroll (Jack) and Lila (Dell) Tessin since it was on March 17th that their son, Melvin, was born. Born in Plymouth, Michigan, Cy, as he was most often known, was one of two children in his family including his sister, Carol. He was raised in Marshall, located

to the southeast of Battle Creek. Cy attended local schools including Marshall High School where he played football.

After graduating from high school in 1946, Cy continued his education at Albion College, graduating in 1950. Shortly thereafter, he served as a medical assistant in the United States Army during the Korean War from 1950 through much of 1952. Life would never be the same for Cy when he married Elizabeth (Liz) Gail Collins who he had been friends with in high school, but had never dated until after college. After falling deeply in love, the couple became husband and wife on June 6, 1953, in their hometown of Marshall.

Together they were blessed with two wonderful sons, Timothy and Todd. In order to support his family, Cy worked at Consumers Power Company (CMS) fi rst in Kalamazoo and then in Jackson.

A man who embraced a challenge, Cy received an MBA from Western Michigan University in 1964 and a doctorate in educational leadership from Western in 1972. Dr. Tessin taught management and personnel as an adjunct associate professor at the College of

Business - Western Michigan for many years before becoming personnel director at Kalamazoo College. In 1978, Dr. Tessin became the owner and president of Management Recruiters of Kalamazoo, an executive search fi rm that provided over 30 years of service to

the business community.

Fun and family usually went hand in hand when Cy was around. He and his wife shared nearly 48 years of marriage and enjoyed much of what life has to offer together. They traveled to places such as Europe and Australia and enjoyed the company of numerous great friends, neighbors, and employees. Cy and Liz were avid Michigan State University Spartans fans in both good times and bad. Always looking for a laugh, Cy was usually the one behind the video

camera when it came to recording family events and he had a knack for always pointing it right in someone’s face! Becoming a grandfather gave Cy the opportunity for more fun as he liked taking his grandchildren places such as the museum and to ride go karts.

Throughout his life, Cy was a man of many interests. He was active at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, and was always looking for ways to extend a helping hand. Cy liked listening to big band music, swing music, and anything with a good dance beat since he was truly a great dancer. He enjoyed golfi ng and liked to watch football, basketball, and the news. Cy had a large

library of books, although you would rarely fi nd him reading. He never missed a meal and would eat just

about anything. However, most people knew that Werther’s Original candies were his favorite.

In 2001, Cy was deeply saddened with the death of his beloved Liz, but he continued to enjoy

the moments he was given. He rekindled a friendship with a former classmate named Marcia who had been friends with his wife.

Over the years that followed, Cy greatly enjoyed her companionship.

Dr. Melvin “Cy” Tessin was a remarkable man who made the most of each and every day. He believed in learning and working hard in order to build

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a life not only for himself and his family, but also to give generously to those around him. A man who treasured his family, Cy was blessed to spend most of his life alongside the woman with whom he created the life he loved. He

leaves behind a colorful mosaic of memories that will be forever treasured by the family and friends who will miss him dearly.

Dr. M. J. “Cy” Tessin died on October 13th, 2010 in Battle Creek, Michigan. Cy’s family includes his two sons, Timothy J. (Cindy) Tessin of Raleigh, NC and Todd C. Tessin of Coldwater, MI; two grandchildren, Rebecca (Allen) Franklin of Warner-Robbins, GA and Andrew J. Tessin of Raleigh, NC; one great-grandchild, Aiden Franklin; step-granddaughter Shanna (Gary) Driscoll of White Lake, MI; step-great granddaughter, Maddison Driscoll; 3 nieces; Cindy Collins, Janice Clark, Kendra Clark and 1 nephew, Steve Clark and special friend and companion Marcia Palmiter of Battle Creek. Dr.

Tessin was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Liz, one sister Carol Jean Clark, and an infant brother Robert. Friends will be received Friday from 4-8 p.m. at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes - Kalamazoo. MI 6080 Stadium Drive 375-2900. A service to honor Cy’s life will be held Saturday, 12 noon at the funeral home. His fi nal resting place will

be next to Liz at Oakridge Cemetery in Marshall, MI. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a favorite memory or photo, sign the online guestbook, or make a memorial contribution to the American Legion #298 in Battle Creek, MI.