Frederick Mark Janney, age 74, of Pinckney, MI, passed away at his home, surrounded by loved ones, on November 9, 2020, due to kidney failure while battling cancer. He was born in Manhattan, New York on March 11, 1946, son of Charles Janney and Eva Skibinsky and raised from birth in the Bronx. On September 4, 1994, Fred married Bonnie Jean Abbott, and she survives him.
As an adult, Fred ventured outside New York, seeking intellectual and spiritual growth. He studied at the American University in Washington DC, and he studied Judaism on a Kibbutz in Israel.
At mid-life, Fred eventually found his home in Michigan, where he settled into a rural, meditative life, exploring Christian philosophies. Ultimately, Fred took inspiration from Victor Hugo’s Les Miserables, the story of an ex-convict who struggles to start afresh upon his release from prison. Fred earned a Master's in Clinical Psychology from Wichita State University, became a psychologist to prisoners, and dedicated his life and career to their self-development and growth. Much of his career was spent at the Ryan Correctional Facility, where he helped launch the Anthroposophical Prison Outreach program and supported the program’s international growth. He also collaborated with Buzz Alexander of the University of Michigan, a fellow advocate for prisoners, facilitating the creation of artworks by the incarcerated and sharing them with the world.
Fred was an avid tennis and pickleball player, enjoyed acting as a hobby, and had a charming sense of humor. He was deeply involved with the Board of the Anthroposophical Society and a devoted advocate of Rudolf Steiner and his philosophies.
In addition to his wife, Bonnie, survivors include his stepsons, Scot (Tamara) Wood, and their children, Andrew and Chelsea; Dale Wood, and his children, Derek and Danny; his son, Eathan (Christine) Janney, and their child, Ezekiel “Zeki”; and stepchildren from his former marriage: Alan Weiland, Joe (Maureen) Weiland, and their child, Justin; Spencer (Tammy) Weiland, and their child, Rachel; Marnie (Mike Guicciard) Weiland; his brother-in-law, Ken (Debbie) Abbott, and their family; his nephew’s family: James Abbott, Suzanne Abbott, Sarah Abbott, Andrew Abbott, and Theresa Abbott; and nieces’ families: Michelle (Steve Sayre) Abbott, Kaitlynn McMichael, Kyle McMichael, Kristin (Anthony Scott Liles) Abbott, Ashley Liles, Madison Liles, and Lauren Abbott; nephews, Jordan (Debi) Plasker, and their children, Alec and Casey; Noel (Laurie) Plasker, and their children, Chloe, Ethan, and Leo; and Eric (Lisa) Plasker, and their children, Jacob, Emily, and Corey. Fred was preceded in death by his brother, Richard Janney, and sister, Barbara Plasker.
Burial is private. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a virtual Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, January 23, 2021. RSVP here: https://fred-janney-memorial.eventbrite.com. Please contribute memories and condolences to https://memories.lifeweb360.com/frederick-mark-janney. Donations may be given in Fred’s name to the Anthroposophical Prison Outreach project: https://www.anthroposophyforprisoners.org. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.
