**** Updated service information****
Biff Audrain, 79, of Tucson, Arizona, passed away at his home, on August 18, 2022.
Biff was born in Grayling, Michigan, on March 28, 1943, the son of Robert M. and Helen D. (Lidtke) Audrain. The family lived in Gaylord. Biff attended Gaylord Community Schools and graduated from Gaylord High School. He went on to attend and graduate from the University of Arizona.
Biff worked in retail sales his entire life and retired as the owner of “The Audrain Hardware” in Gaylord, which was founded by his parents. “The hardware on the corner” was a Gaylord landmark.
Biff enjoyed trap and skeet shooting and was a life member of the Northland Sportsmen’s Club in Gaylord, from the mid-1960s. He also enjoyed hunting grouse and deer. He was a member of both the Eagles Club and the Elks Lodge, where he enjoyed visiting with fellow members. He was a member of the Gaylord Fishing Club on the Black River in Montmorency County. As a young man, Biff enjoyed racing as a member of the Top O’ Michigan Outboard Racing Club and working on his boat, alongside his father. He enjoyed golf, both in Gaylord and Arizona. In the early years of the Alpenfest, Biff was tapped to portray the infamous Herr Gessler. He enjoyed the festivities especially Schlang’s Tent, which was a favorite gathering place for locals and visitors alike.
Biff is survived by his daughter, Suzanne (Luis) Guerrero, and grandson, Alex Toelle of Seminole, Florida; nephews, Richard, Michael, and Timothy Brown; and niece, Sally (Brown) Avery, all of Gaylord, Michigan.
Biff was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Helen Audrain; twin sons, Karl M. and Kristopher B. Audrain; maternal grandmother, Margaret Lidtke; sister, Sandra “Toni” Brown; brother-in-law, Wayne Brown; niece, Margaret “Peggy” Koronka; and grandnephew, Travis Brown.
A celebration of Biff’s life will be held at the Gaylord Eagle’s Club on Sunday, October 23, 2022, from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m., with a short memorial service.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the Mackinaw County Water Safety Review Team or the charity of your choice, through the Nelson Funeral Home, PO Box 1548, Gaylord, MI 49734.
6 comments on “Biff Audrain”
Biff was my counselor at Camp Occur pc in 6th grade in 1960. He was a great guy and I have many fond memories from that time. I also remember Bob and Helen with affection. They were a wonderful couple…
To the Audrain and Brown Family, My thoughts, prayers, and all the good memories I have of your families are with you. Over the years I have met just about all of them. Biff is joining a great number of your relatives in the arms of our Lord in heaven. We all may meet again!
That came out wrong. camp Ocqueoc…
He gave me a job back in ’77 when I really needed one. He was one of the best bosses I ever had. I enjoyed working with him, learning from him, and his quiet sense of humor. In the blizzard of ’78, he met me at the side door of Audrain’s with a shovel and his dog. Mr. Fezziwig from the Christmas Carol, he treated his employee’s well and was loved by all. I’ve missed him over the years, but I’ll always have fond memories. God bless you Biff Audrain.
He was a caring and awesome man.
Biff was a fellow Group Merchandiser at Montgomery Wards in Port Richey, FL in the early 80’s.
He was my closest confidant, as we shared many humorous moments on and off the clock.
He was the life of many gatherings, as he was famous for his “one liner” jokes and comebacks.
We both shared the nickname of “young hero” as was fondly given by our store manager, JR Ewing.
We stayed in touch over the years sharing email jokes and birthday cards. Biff will be missed greatly.
God Bless and may God rest his soul.