Darwin L. “Sy” Shaver

It is with immeasurable sadness, profound love, and a lifetime of memories that we mourn the passing of Darwin “Sy” Shaver. A proud police officer, a dedicated horseman, and a savvy businessman, Darwin was also fortunate enough to earn other special titles throughout the course of his life: husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend. He was surrounded by his family, in the home that he loved, when he passed away on June 26th, 2025, at the age of 84.

Darwin was born on July 7th, 1940 in Clare, Michigan, to Harold and Helen (Reed) Shaver. He graduated from Holt High School, class of 1958, where he excelled at football and baseball.

In September of 1961, Darwin began his career in the Delhi Township Police Department. His hard work, determination, and commitment to protecting his community helped him climb up the ranks, from Deputy to Corporal, Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, Major, and finally, retiring as Chief Deputy with the Ingham County Sheriff’s Department. He earned numerous awards, including one for bravery in 1982. For more than 35 years, Sy served with dignity, respect, and a love for the work and the people.

Though Darwin retired from the police department, he continued his work to help his community. He served for many years on the Ingham County Fair Board and the Bunkerhill Township Board, and was a charter member of the South Lansing/Holt Rotary Club. He spent 21 years on the Dart Bank Board of Directors, and was described as “unfailing in his encouragement and support” during that time.

When Sy began dating his wife, Ann, in 1962, he was thrust into the world of harness horse racing. He took it in stride, embracing the lifestyle of the Grettenberger family, and turning it into a legacy. In that same spirit, Sy and Ann inspired three generations of horse-lovers. Their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren all attended races before they could walk. Sy and Ann earned both Breeders of the Year and Owners of the Year awards in 2010, a testament to the many Michigan champions that came from their farm. In 2024, they were inducted into the Michigan Harness Horsemen’s Hall of Fame.

Sy grew up in a family of avid deer hunters. Throughout his life, he loved hunting, especially with friends and family at the Bonehead Hunting Club in Hillman, Michigan. He took tremendous pride and joy in hunting with his sons-in-law, great sons-in-law, and most recently, his great-grandson, Max.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory his wife of 61 years, Ann (Grettenberger) Shaver, daughters Beth (Carl) Thelen and Laura (Chris) Perniciaro, granddaughters Shelby (Kyle) Schittenhelm and Sarah (Alex) Piette, sister Gloria (Frank) Phillips, and brother Harold “Hap” (Laurie) Shaver. He also leaves behind his great-grandchildren Max and Lily Schittenhelm and Tripp Piette, who brought him so much joy.

We would like to add a very special thank you to Home Instead and Hospice of Lansing for the wonderful and compassionate care that was given to Sy in his final days.

Visitation will be held Thursday, July 10th, from 4-7 PM at Estes-Leadley Holt/Delhi Chapel in Holt, Michigan. A celebration of Sy’s life will be held on Saturday, August 16th, from 2-6 PM at his farm in Leslie, Michigan.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Ingham County Animal Control and Shelter.