5-28-2019 12:13pm

Harold Gage, 86, Was a Barber in Saline for 61 Years

Harold Elmer Gage 86, of Saline, Michigan passed away peacefully on May 23, 2019. He passed in the family home he built, while listening to music and holding his beloved wife’s hand.

Harold was born in Manchester, MI on August 1, 1932, to the late Claude W. Gage and Winifred H. (Shipley) Gage. Harold is survived by his sister Shirley (late Richard) Ingall and his brother Leon (late Beverly) Gage preceded him in death, December 2018.

On September 29, 1951, he married the late Shirley J. (LeFever) Gage. Harold is survived by two of their three children, Mark A. Gage of Granger, IN, Terry L. Gage of Dallas, TX and the late Kevin P. Gage of Salem Township; their spouses Cathleen, Deborah and Anna; seven grandchildren, Alan (Bridget) Gage, Brian Klaybor, Nathan (Amber) Gage, Lauren (Ben) Gage, Brett (Emily) Gage, Ryan (Jordan) Gage, Joshua (Sara) Gage and; three great-grandchildren, Clayton, Olive, and Roman.

On July 7, 1989, Harold married and is survived by Julie A. (Brown) Gage, children Andrew C. (Mari) Brown, Aaron J. Brown, and Dana M. (Ota) Odibo; seven grandchildren, the late Noah Brown, Keoni Odibo, Kendra Anthony, Kaycee (Samuel) Peterson III, Kayla (Edwin) Young-Troost, Justin Troost and Elizabeth Troost and; three great-grandchildren, Gabriel, Izzabella, and Eon.

Harold will also be forever remembered by his numerous loved nieces and nephews, extended family and dear friends.

Harold graduated from Manchester High School in 1950 and Barber School in 1951. In 1952, he started barbering at 112 East Michigan Ave., Saline, MI, which later became Harold’s Barbershop where he served his community for sixty-one years. He could often be seen twice a day pedaling his bicycle to work and in later years pulling a pet trailer for his dogs the late Wicket as well as Darcy who entertained customers at the shop. Harold was well known for his love of his customers; he would make himself available wherever and whenever his services were needed. “Kids” of all ages were encouraged to grab a Bazooka bubble gum, Dum Dum or Tootsie Pop sucker on their way out of the shop after a visit for a haircut. Harold retired from barbering in 2012 but never lost his lust for life in the years that followed.

Harold was a people person who especially enjoyed children as well as camping, snorkeling, fishing, singing, dancing and anything that allowed him to spend time with his family. His patience and giving nature made being a part of Harold’s life special, and if you ever needed a helping hand, he was quick to be there for you.

He was a member of Knox Presbyterian Church. The family will receive friends on Friday, June 7, 2019, from 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at the Robison-Bahnmiller Funeral Home in Saline. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 8, 2019 at 11:00 A.M. at Knox Presbyterian Church Located at 2065 S. Wagner Rd., Ann Arbor, MI with a viewing starting at 10:00 A.M. Pastor Mike Frison will be officiating the service and a light lunch will follow. Memorial contributions in Harold's name may be made to St. Joseph Mercy Hospice or The Oaks Adult Day Care and envelopes will be available at the funeral home and the church. Burial will follow the lunch and will take place at Oakwood Cemetery in Saline. To sign Harold’s guestbook, to leave a memory, or for more information or directions please visitwww.rbfhsaline.com.