Nick Orastian, age 95, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, passed away peacefully on August 22, 2026, at Corewell Health Blodgett Hospital. After 95 years filled with family, friendship, hard work, travel, laughter and stories, Nick left this world surrounded by those who loved him.

Born in Ecorse, Michigan, Nick grew up on a farm, where he learned the values that guided his life: work hard, enjoy life, and take care of your family. After high school, he served in the United States Air Force before beginning a long career in retail. He spent the final 26 years of his career with Meijer as a merchandise manager, retiring in 1991. He was respected for his wisdom, integrity and quiet knowledge.

In 1951, Nick married the love of his life, Ann Marie Lamour. They shared nearly 68 years together before Marie passed away in 2019. They traveled throughout the world and especially enjoyed traveling with their daughter and grandchildren as they grew up.

Their cottage on Big Whitefish Lake, purchased in 1981, became one of the family's most treasured places. Summers were filled with fishing, especially for pike, time with family, and afternoons on the porch with coffee and one of Nick's beloved cigars.

Nick loved fishing, golf, travel, history, his dogs, a good cigar and, especially, playing cards. He enjoyed Euchre, bridge and rummy. Quietly competitive, he somehow always seemed to know which cards had already been played. Even at 95, his mind remained sharp, and he was often two steps ahead of everyone at the table. But for Nick, the cards were never simply about winning. They were about enjoying the company, strengthening his mind and spending time with people he loved.

A quiet observer, Nick was also a wonderful storyteller, particularly when it came to American and family history. When he spoke, people listened. His wisdom and perspective were valued by generations of family and by those who knew him throughout his career.

Above all, Nick was a devoted family man. He was a loving father to Laura and her husband, Dennis, and a cherished grandfather to Pat, Nick, Joe and Bonnie. He welcomed their spouses, Jane and Jessica, into the family and took great joy in watching his family grow. His four great-grandchildren, Camden, Finley, Brigid and Matthew, brought him tremendous joy. After Marie's passing, Laura became an especially important part of his daily life.

Nick's grandson Nick shared a particularly close bond with him, and the two enjoyed fishing and going out to dinner together. Nick also shared a lifelong love of dogs, with many becoming beloved members of the family over the years. In his later years, his dog Buddy provided companionship alongside the family who remained close to him.

Nick was a longtime member and usher at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church.

Nick leaves behind a family who was the center of his life and a legacy that will live on through them. He taught those around him, by example, to work hard, enjoy life, take care of family and appreciate the time we are given.

He can now rest peacefully, reunited with Marie, while the family he loved carries his stories, his lessons and his love forward.

A private family service was held to celebrate Nick's life.