John A. Kelvin, age 67, of China Twp., and previously from St. Clair Shores, passed away at home on January 17, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born on February 23, 1958 in Windsor, Ontario, Canada to the late George and Carol Kelvin.
He married Barbara Hobart on July 27, 1985 and they shared a wonderful 40 years together.
In college, John studied journalism and political science at California State University, Fullerton and Santa Rosa College. He developed his writing skills through school newspapers and went on to be a staff writer for the Tri-County News in Fenton, Michigan as well as the Spinal Weekly newspapers. John also worked as a freelance writer for several publishing groups including the Detroit News and the Detroit Free Press. One notable piece was a story he wrote for Sea Classics magazine about the sinking of the Daniel J. Morrell in Michigan. He launched his own magazine group focusing on automotive topics and yachting that featured several ahead-of-their-time articles. An article discussing electric vehicles was nearly 30 years before EVs became popular today. Later on, he transitioned into automotive parts and started his own company, Ascent Transit, in 2015 that specialized in air-disc brakes. Always an innovator, John designed multiple unique parts to enhance efficiency and safety of air-disc brakes earning him two patents. He served as CEO for six years until selling the company to ACR Air Disc but remained as CEO and an executive partner.
John was an adventurous spirit and loved being outdoors. He traveled around the world for both work and leisure. His interests included camping, hiking, fly-fishing, biking, scuba diving, fossil collecting, meteorite hunting, gold panning, and mountain climbing-successfully reaching Mt. Kilimanjaro’s summit as well as getting to Mt. Everest Base Camp.
With strong moral values, John always stepped up to help those less fortunate. He volunteered with MCREST where he provided counsel and support to individuals experiencing homelessness. Additionally, he led Bible study groups at Macomb County Jail while being deeply committed to his Episcopal faith serving on many committees over time along with being a Eucharistic Minister.
Thanksgiving stood out as his favorite holiday when he enjoyed being surrounded by friends and family-focusing on gratitude for loved ones rather than wanting more.
Family time involved watching movies together playing board games going paintballing fishing at their pond going on treasure hunts celebrating birthdays or holidays together-a trip to Hawaii stands out as a cherished memory for him too! He also took special trips with his grandsons-first Italy then Alaska-to celebrate their high school graduations.
He is survived by his devoted wife; Barbara Kelvin daughter; Wendy (John) Fick grandsons; Cameron Fick Brendan Fick.
Also left behind are brothers; David (Nikki) Kelvin Bruce (Pam) Kelvin Doug (Patty) Kelvin along with numerous nieces nephews friends business associates.
A Celebration of Life will happen later date with cremation arrangements handled by Young Funeral Home in China Twp.
Memorial service is set for Saturday May 16 at 11:30 a. m., taking place at St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church located at 1434 E. 13 Mile Rd Madison Heights MI 48071.
A Celebration of Life luncheon follows afterward starting at 1:00 p. m., held at Athena Banquet Hall situated at 25650 Gratiot Ave Roseville MI 48066.
The family appreciates all doctors nurses staff from University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center who cared for him during this time-memorial contributions can be made in John’s name suggested towards either University Of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center located at1500 E Medical Dr Ann Arbor MI48109 or MCREST situated at215 S Main St Mt Clemens MI48043.
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He was born on February 23, 1958 in Windsor, Ontario, Canada to the late George and Carol Kelvin.
He married Barbara Hobart on July 27, 1985 and they shared a wonderful 40 years together.
In college, John studied journalism and political science at California State University, Fullerton and Santa Rosa College. He developed his writing skills through school newspapers and went on to be a staff writer for the Tri-County News in Fenton, Michigan as well as the Spinal Weekly newspapers. John also worked as a freelance writer for several publishing groups including the Detroit News and the Detroit Free Press. One notable piece was a story he wrote for Sea Classics magazine about the sinking of the Daniel J. Morrell in Michigan. He launched his own magazine group focusing on automotive topics and yachting that featured several ahead-of-their-time articles. An article discussing electric vehicles was nearly 30 years before EVs became popular today. Later on, he transitioned into automotive parts and started his own company, Ascent Transit, in 2015 that specialized in air-disc brakes. Always an innovator, John designed multiple unique parts to enhance efficiency and safety of air-disc brakes earning him two patents. He served as CEO for six years until selling the company to ACR Air Disc but remained as CEO and an executive partner.
John was an adventurous spirit and loved being outdoors. He traveled around the world for both work and leisure. His interests included camping, hiking, fly-fishing, biking, scuba diving, fossil collecting, meteorite hunting, gold panning, and mountain climbing-successfully reaching Mt. Kilimanjaro’s summit as well as getting to Mt. Everest Base Camp.
With strong moral values, John always stepped up to help those less fortunate. He volunteered with MCREST where he provided counsel and support to individuals experiencing homelessness. Additionally, he led Bible study groups at Macomb County Jail while being deeply committed to his Episcopal faith serving on many committees over time along with being a Eucharistic Minister.
Thanksgiving stood out as his favorite holiday when he enjoyed being surrounded by friends and family-focusing on gratitude for loved ones rather than wanting more.
Family time involved watching movies together playing board games going paintballing fishing at their pond going on treasure hunts celebrating birthdays or holidays together-a trip to Hawaii stands out as a cherished memory for him too! He also took special trips with his grandsons-first Italy then Alaska-to celebrate their high school graduations.
He is survived by his devoted wife; Barbara Kelvin daughter; Wendy (John) Fick grandsons; Cameron Fick Brendan Fick.
Also left behind are brothers; David (Nikki) Kelvin Bruce (Pam) Kelvin Doug (Patty) Kelvin along with numerous nieces nephews friends business associates.
A Celebration of Life will happen later date with cremation arrangements handled by Young Funeral Home in China Twp.
Memorial service is set for Saturday May 16 at 11:30 a. m., taking place at St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church located at 1434 E. 13 Mile Rd Madison Heights MI 48071.
A Celebration of Life luncheon follows afterward starting at 1:00 p. m., held at Athena Banquet Hall situated at 25650 Gratiot Ave Roseville MI 48066.
The family appreciates all doctors nurses staff from University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center who cared for him during this time-memorial contributions can be made in John’s name suggested towards either University Of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center located at1500 E Medical Dr Ann Arbor MI48109 or MCREST situated at215 S Main St Mt Clemens MI48043.
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