The Death of A Grand Rapids Icon and His Amazing Legacy

Grand Rapids and all of Michigan has lost a true believer, romantic and dreamer. He was one of the most fascinating men you would ever hope to meet. And did he have an impact on West Michigan.

He lived a fast paced life in his 96 years. He was a marathon runner, a passionate lover and patron of the arts, a business visionary and deal maker, a voracious reader, opinionated, and lover of Crispy Creme donuts, with a huge heart.

Who was this man? John Fredrick Gilmore.

When you hear the name Gilmore you probably immediately think of the Gilmore Collection, The B.O.B. and many other restaurants, hotels, and the like. Well, you would be correct.

As read in his obituary published on Legacy.com, Gilmore was a force in real estate, owning many downtown Grand Rapids office buildings such as the Ledyard building, the Federal Square building among others.

John Gilmore was actually the catalyst for what we now know as Gaslight Village in East Grand Rapids, Legacy.com says, recreating the space formally know as Ramona Amusement Park to create Jacobson's Department Store. Even though Jacobson's is long gone now, look at what has happened with Gaslight Village because of his vision.

By the way, if you didn't know, Rose's on Reed's Lake is a Gilmore Collection restaurant.

But John didn't just focus on Grand Rapids and West Michigan according to Legacy.com.

He fell in love with Colorado, and a little town called Aspen. He reopening the famed Jerome Hotel. He also created the Red Stone Inn as well.

However, with all of his fast paced life, love of family was at the top of his list. With five children, many grandchildren and great grandchildren, family life was always busy.

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True to his big personality, he was known at "Papa Bear," or Santa Claus all the time.

But, to his grandchildren, he was NEVER grandpa! You had to call him JFG!