Ellis "Sharkey" Movalson Obituary (1930

Ellis E. (Sharkey) Movalson, age 85 of SaddleBrooke AZ, passed away June 11, 2016 in Oro Valley AZ. He was born November 21, 1930 to Ellis and Ruby Movalson. Sharkey grew up in Brevort, MI and graduated from St. Ignace High School at the age of 16. He served in the US Army during the Korean conflict, as an MP stationed in Stuttgart, Germany. After his tour with the Army, he met his wife of over 60 years, Anne Caldwell of River Forest IL. They were married on November 24, 1955 and began a life together in Michigan. Sharkey graduated from the Michigan State Police Academy and served as an officer in both the Ypsilanti and Gladstone State Police posts. He transitioned into a sales career which included a decade with Northern Motors in Escanaba, where he was an award - winning salesman, earning a national award as one of the top sellers in the United States for Ford Motor Company. He worked as a claims adjuster for Auto-Owners and Citizens Insurance Companies before purchasing Northern Insurance Agency, which he owned for over 25 years. Sharkey was active in Delta County MI where he served as a Director for Baybank , held board positions with the Michigan Consolidated Gas Company and the Salvation Army. He was President of both the Gladstone Lions Club (a member for 55 years) and the Escanaba Noon Kiwanis Club. He served as a troop leader for the Boy Scouts of America and counseled many Eagle Scouts. His love of the outdoors is still reflected in Gladstone, where he was President of the Gladstone Ski club. He was a member of the Gladstone Recreation board which oversaw the renovation of the Gladstone Yacht Harbor and the formation of the Gladstone Sports Park. His love of carpentry helped build the Lions Club Pavilion, the Lions Club harbor shed and the Kids' Kingdom playground. Many will remember Sharkey as THE clown in the Gladstone 4th of July parade each year, and loved being a Santa Claus at Christmas. His love of people was present in everything he did, and it brought him great joy and success, personally and professionally. He enjoyed boating, skiing, restoring old cars and wood-working, where he loved the company of his fellow members in the SaddleBrooke Wood Carvers. Many hikers have a hand carved stick which he sold at gift shops and craft fairs. He was a friend to all and helped with small building projects and repairs for neighbors and friends. Sharkey and Anne enjoyed traveling. They fortunately have checked off many places on their "bucket-list". Sharkey's commitment to his spiritual faith was deep and exhibited in every aspect of his life. He was head usher and Chairman of the Building Committee at First Lutheran Church of Gladstone MI. He severed as a board member on the ELCA Northern Great Lakes Synod Endowment Fund. At Resurrection Lutheran Church in Oro Valley AZ, he was a greeter and usher.