John Clarence Duffendack III, BHS 1959

John Clarence Duffendack III, BHS 1959

Ann Arbor News (MI) - March 21, 2006Northfield Township, MI

Age 64, died March 18, 2006. John was born on May 2, 1941 to Mr. and Mrs. John C. Duffendack, Jr. in Glendale, California. He was raised and attended schools through high school in Burbank, CA, where he was active in both school and Boy Scout programs. Upon graduating from Burbank High School, he attended the University of Michigan where his parents met, and where his great uncle, Dr. O. S. Duffendack, held a chair in the Physics Department. There he received a Bachelors Degree in Aerospace Engineering and Masters Degrees in Aerospace Engineering, Mathematics and Business Administration.He was a member of the Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity. While pursuing his Ph.D., he began working for ComShare, an Ann Arbor computer services company, serving in a number of executive positions until 1973. From 1973 to 1981, John held various executive positions with The Cypbernetics Corporation (later ADP), responsible for all aspects of the design, implementation, growth, maintenance, operation and management of the company's three large computer centers (Ann Arbor, Boston, London) and its international telecommunications network spanning thirteen time zones with facilities in 180 cities throughout the United States, Canada, and Western Europe.

In 1981, he founded Meridian Instruments, Inc., a biotech start up company in Okemos, MI. As President and CEO for 13 years, he sought funding, marketed and developed world wide sales for the company until 1995. He joined VetGen LLC in Ann Arbor as President and CEO in 1998. VetGen researches and tests for genetic diseases in companion animals, primarily dogs, horses and cats.

John was a private pilot and avid flyer, an accomplished sailor and cook, but most of all, he was a loving husband to his wife, Stefanie, and a devoted father to his son, Ted.

John, Stefanie and Ted raise and show champion Gordon Setters, which was Stefanie's passion and occupation while living in Germany. This common bond offered many exciting week-ends for canines and humans alike.

John is survived by his wife, Stefanie, his son, Edward, his mother and father, his sisters, Linda Mays and Carole Fowler and his nieces and nephews. He was a devoted son, a loyal brother, a doting father, a steadfast friend, and an adoring husband. He will be sorely missed.

A private memorial service is planned. Memorial gifts may be directed to The Humane Society of Huron Valley, 3100 Cherry Hill Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48105 (website: hshv.org) and/or The School of Music at the University of Michigan, Development Office, 2005 Bates Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48105. Please designate gifts in memory of John C. Duffendack. Arrangements by Generations, Ann Arbor.