Lee Earl Schuchaskie, 69, of Barryton, Michigan, passed away peacefully on August 28th, 2026. Lee was born on January 3rd, 1957, in Owosso, Michigan, and spent the rest of his life in the Barryton community he called home.

Lee was a hardworking, quiet and deeply caring man. He was the kind of person that might seem reserved when you first met him, but once you got to know him, he had countless funny and interesting stories to share. He was a man who took pride in working with his hands and creating things from the ground up.

Throughout his life, Lee worked as a logger and a craftsman and later as a school bus driver for the Chippewa Hills School District in Remus, Michigan. He loved logging, woodworking, and building, and there was rarely a project he wasn’t willing to take on.

One of Lee's greatest passions was his love of pirates. He embraced the pirate lifestyle wholeheartedly, attending renaissance festivals, pirate festivals, conventions, and other events where he could meet people who shared his passion. His creativity and craftsmanship came together in one of his favorite projects: transforming pontoon boats into pirate ships. He built three pirate ships of his own.

He also had a lifelong love of cats, a good cup of coffee, and the simple pleasure of spending time with the people he cared about.

Lee also spent years chasing a dream of being a contestant on the show “Survivor.” He was determined to make it onto the show and attended numerous casting calls, continuing to try year after year. His persistence and willingness to chase that dream reflected the adventurous and determined spirit that made him who he was.

Lee is survived by his wife Diane Schuchaskie, and his daughter Hope Schuchaskie; his brother Allen and his daughter Pauline; his sister Ruby and her husband Robert, and their children Scott and Tony; his sister Bonnie and her sons Marcus, Kevin, Clarency, and her daughters Jessica and Francis; and his beloved niece Sarah Baker (Landis), whom he adored deeply.

He was preceded in death by his parents Ruth and Clarence Schuchaskie, and his sister Connie.

Lee will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and everyone whose life he touched. His stories will be remembered, his creations will remain as pieces of him, and the adventures he shared with those he loved will never be forgotten.

One especially treasured memory was performing alongside both Hope and Sarah in the Wizard Of Oz. These moments of laughter, creativity, and togetherness were precious to Lee and his family. And they will remain cherished memories for years to come.

Fair winds and following seas, Dad. I love you more than words could ever say. You will always be my favorite pirate.