Michael J. Bardin, 80, of Canton, passed away Thursday, April 24th. Born on July 30,1944 in Cleveland, to Jeanette R. Jones and later adopted by his grand aunt, Mary M. (Tanner) Bardin and her husband, John J, Bardin of Canton in 1947. Michael was raised in Canton for his early formative years at St.John's and St. Joseph's Catholic schools.

He attended High School at Central Catholic in Canton, performing in the band and a member of the Rifle Team. Upon graduating in 1962, he entered the military to serve 6 years in the U.S Navy as an aircraft engineer mechanic with Anti-Submarine Squadron 22 stationed at Quonset Point, RI operating off of the aircraft USS Lake Champlain CVS-39.

After returning home, he pursued a 40+ year long career in design engineering covering the fields of machinery, civil, architectural and structural elements. During this time he also entered into other fields of endeavor with college courses in Humanities and Psychology and spent 3 years as a Youth Leader for the State of Ohio Youth Commission. He also operated home base businesses as a sign painter, stained glass artist and musical instrument tradesman.

Time, on many weekends, were spent  as a professional musician with 3 folk music groups, Fare Passage, Anonymous String Band and Tants Muziky performing at the countless festivals and private events throughout Ohio, all in the guise of a historic period re-enactor. When not working or performing, he was always busy at home with projects around the 172 year old home in Navarre which he and his wife, Cindy cherished for close to 40 years. And then there was Cub Scouts and 4H with his son Ian, plus teaching him the fine art of turning a wrench on anything mechanical. Never a dull or idle moment with his family.

He was also an author of numerous publications and articles on historical subjects, creating monthly newsletters as well as transcribing and printing folk music collections for his music groups. Civic involvement came in the form of local historical and business groups, plus military service organizations and was a staff member with the Bluecoats Drum and Bugle Corps from 1973-1976.

He was a member of Vietnam Veterans of America, American Legion, Army-Navy Union, AmVets and Fleet Reserve Association.

Upon retirement, Michael spent a further 11 years as the Assistant Curator/ Displays Coordinator for the Ohio Military Museum in Massillon, which is now part of the Military Air Preservation Society (M.A.P.S) of which Michael was a life member  with both Organizations.

Michael is survived by his current wife, Judith Ann Thomas-Bardin and his son Ian Andrew Bardin currently both of Canton. He is preceded in death by his late Wife, Lucinda (Cindy) Lee Bardin, infant son, Sean Phillip Bardin, biological mother Jeanette Ruth Jones, adopting parents, John Joseph Bardin and Mary Margaret (Tanner) Bardin, all of Canton and Navarre.

Calling hours will be held Wednesday, April 30th from 4:30PM to 7:30PM in the St. George Romanian Byzantine Catholic Cathedral, 1123 44th St NE, Canton, OH 44714. A Saracusta service will take place at 7:30PM. Funeral services will be held at 10AM on Thursday, May 1st, also in the church, with Very Rev. Fr. Ovidiu Marginean officiating. Calling hours will also be held 1 hour prior to funeral services. Burial will take place in East Union Lawn Cemetery in Navarre.

Waltner-SIMCHAK Funeral Home Locally Owned Since 1917 330-455-0293