Charles Hudd

Although he experienced so many things that greatly enriched his life, there was nothing that was more near and dear to the heart of Charles Hudd than being surrounded by his loved ones. Blessed to share the best years of his journey with the love of his life, he was not only a devoted father but also a doting grandfather who perhaps treasured this role more than any other. Chuck was a hard worker who excelled in whatever he put his mind to, his work ethic truly an inspiration to all who knew him. During his sunset years his faith came vibrantly alive, and although he will be deeply missed his loved ones find comfort in knowing that he is enjoying perfect health in his eternal home. During the first half of the 1940s the eyes of our nation and much of the world were focused on the increasing hostilities of WWII. Countless young American men and women were serving throughout Europe and the Pacific while those who remained stateside gathered around radios awaiting the latest news from the front lines. Rationing became a way of life, and victory gardens were planted to lessen the demand on the nations food supply. It was during this eventful time in our nations history that Charles Layton was born to his parents, Charles Murphy and Catherine Arend, on April 4, 1942, in Cleveland, Ohio. He was joined in his family by his brother, Gary, to whom he was close throughout his entire life. Chucks mom moved to the Grand Haven area with her two boys, eventually settling in Ferrysburg when Chuck and Gary were still quite young. His mom met and married Frank Hudd who adopted Chuck and his brother. In many ways Chuck was a young boy of his generation. He and Gary were partners in crime who always seemed to be getting into things. Chuck was very mechanical at an early age. In fact, he built a motorized go cart that he drove around the neighborhood, many times just out of reach from the cops! There were also the times that Chuck went ice fishing on Millhouse Bayou with an inner tube around his waist and a rope tied to him just in case he fell through the thin ice. He liked playing baseball and swimming with his buddies from the neighborhood. As he got older Chuck graduated from building go carts to building hot rod cars. He was a student at local schools including Grand Haven High School where he played the trombone in the band. Not long after graduating from high school in 1960, Chuck discovered that he was going to become a father. He then got married, and together with his wife he welcomed three girls into his heart, Christine, Pamela, and Shelly. Although the marriage ended after 10 years, Chuck was awarded custody of his daughters. Always willing to work hard, Chuck found work at the Story and Clark piano factory during the day while helping out on a local farm at night. He could do any job at the piano factory and was one of the fastest workers there as he usually out produced his coworkers. Chuck remained with the piano factory until it closed at which time he spent a few years working for Bergsma Furniture in Grand Rapids. He eventually took a position with Reeds Tire Service in Holland where he was a front end alignment specialist. Once again he was a dedicated and hard worker until the years of working under the cars took a toll on his shoulders and forced him to retire. New and exciting changes were in store for Chuck when he met the woman with whom he would share the best years of his life. Her name was Christine Zimonick, and they were introduced by her sister-in-law, Karen, who was a neighbor of Chucks. As the story goes it was love at first sight, and they were married on October 19, 1973. Shortly thereafter, Chuck adopted Chriss son, Mark. The family initially settled in North Shore Trailer Park, and they were blessed with two daughters, Carla and Charlene. They eventually moved to a home on Lincoln Street in Grand Haven Township. First and foremost in Chucks life was always his family. Together they loved camping, usually at rustic campgrounds or just out in the State Forest woods. It has been said that Chuck could cook anything over the fire and was particularly famous for his half chickens over the fire. The Hudds also loved playing games and cards and doing puzzles. Chuck was the Rummy King according to his children. When his kids grew up and started families of their own, Chuck was there to help in any way he could whether doing building projects, tiling floors, making furniture, or whatever else was needed. He even helped Mark build their home. In his time away from work, Chuck filled his time with numerous meaningful experiences. He and Chris were nearly inseparable and loved doing things like dancing the polka together. They could often be found out in their big pole barn, that was Chucks workshop and man cave, with a wood stove and stereo, just the two of them. Together they took five Caribbean cruises and several road trips to Florida. Chuck loved being a grandpa, or Bumpa as his grandchildren affectionately called him. They often babysat and took them camping, and Chuck often did various projects with his grandchildren as well. During the last two years of his life he recommitted his life to Christ and attended Watermark Church where he was baptized this past December. Over the years Chuck had issues with his heart, but he was able to manage them through treatment and medications. Sadly it was his heart that gave out while he was snow blowing the driveway. With a sparkling smile that could brighten any room, Charles Hudd was a blessing to those around him. He had a zest for life that was contagious and a work ethic that was unmatched. Chuck was completely devoted to his family and was always looking for ways he could help them in any way. He will never be forgotten. Charles L. "Chuck" Hudd died on Monday, February 3, 2014. Chucks family includes his wife, Christine; children, Charlene (Tony) Johnson of Grand Haven, Carla (Jeremy) Hower of Grand Haven, Mark (Kris) Hudd of Holton, Christine (Tim) Viening of Grand Haven, Pamela Schultz of Grand Haven, Shelly (Kip) Martin of Grand Haven; grandchildren, Mark Jr., Mitchell, Sheree, Jessica, Jenny, April, Hayden, Christian, Sidney, Jacob, Joey; several great grandchildren; brother Gary (Louise) Hudd of Grand Haven; good friend, Nicholas Martin. Chuck was preceded in death by his parents, Catherine and Frank Hudd. A memorial gathering will be held on Friday, February 7, 2014, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at Watermark Church with a time of sharing at noon. In lieu of flowers, please consider giving to the family for funeral expenses. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book.