Norman (Buck) Gotschall

He was born on May 19, 1927 to his beloved parents Lawrence and Eva Gotschall (Gage) in Gas City, IN. His father was a teacher/coach and they lived in several towns in IN and MI, Over the years there were 13 foster children in the family. Buck married twice and had two children which provided a lifetime of remembrances.

In 1945 he joined the army and was stationed in Italy guarding the Morgan Line. Returning home, he received an undergraduate degree in physical education and a master’s in counseling.

After teaching and coaching for several years in Fairview and Lowell, MI, he took over his father’s real estate business (Gotschall Realty) in Baldwin, MI. Buck’s interest in the environment peaked, and he became one of three founders and first president of the Pere Marquette Watershed Council. He was also president of the Rotary and a natural at emceeing community festivities

Buck then began a new phase of life by learning to ski, paint, and pilot a plane. In 1971 while on a fishing trip with a friend and real estate partner they became interested in the Big Bay area. This culminated in purchasing land. His real estate company, Lands For Sale, Inc. was one of the first to make land available for purchase by the public.

Buck was creative, social, adventurous, and liked a challenge. In the mid-eighties he purchased the Big Bay Point Lighthouse, built an adjacent airstrip, and operated the lighthouse as the first lighthouse bed and breakfast in the U.S..

Travel and experiencing different places, people and cultures were a passion for Buck. He traveled and spent time in Key West, Aspen, New Zeeland, Tasmania, Amazon, and Honduras. He also piloted a 1955 tri-pacer to the Arctic Circle and on a 7000 mile U.S. cross country trip. As an avid sailor he spent nine winters sailing the Caribbean and Central America with his Minerva Belle, a Pearson 35′ sloop.

Buck was a health and fitness advocate for himself, friends and employees. He played on an All-State basketball team and quarter-backed on an undefeated football team in his youth. He had a penchant for tennis, especially doubles, and won many tournaments. He was an integral part of the Cracked Court Open Tennis Tournament.

He enjoyed fostering/teaching tennis to youth, and anyone who wanted to learn how to play tennis in the Big Bay community.

His love of mentoring, outgoing ways, imagination, zest for life, and adventurous spirit has left special memories and inspiration for many. Buck lived by one of his favorite mottos “Fly High While You Have Wings.” He is survived by many relatives, loved ones, friends and his significant other/caregiver.

Memorial contributions can be made/sent to the Big Bay Racquet and Recreation Club, P.O. Box 338, Big Bay, MI 49808 w/notation for the enhancement of Big Bay youth tennis.

A celebration of his life will be held Saturday, May 19, 2018 at the Big Bay Tennis Courts from 4:00 – 7:00 pm. Service will begin at 5:00 followed by a potluck and refreshments.