Charles "Fred" Kerr

"Hail! To the victors valiant. Hail! To the conquering heroes. Hail! Hail! the leaders and best. The first few lines of the University of Michigan fight song could just as easily describe Charles Fred Kerr. A valiant fighter, dedicated to his family and the young people he met every day certainly a hero in the eyes of his family and these same young people, Fred Kerr was a passionate and dedicated leader and the best of the best. By the year 1948, the United States had celebrated the end of the horrific hostilities of World War II and begun the long, difficult process of healing. Families were back together and everyday life was returning to normal. For Howard J. and Eleanor Faye (Trumble) Kerr, life for the next few years was going to be anything but normal. Living in Muskegon, Michigan, Howard and Faye were anxiously awaiting the birth of a new baby and on April 22, 1948, joyously welcomed a son they named Charles. Charles, who soon went by the name of Fred, grew up in Muskegon along with his brother Kenneth. Young Fred had a good childhood and went on to graduate from Muskegon High School in 1966. He would continue his education over the next 22 years, earning his Bachelors Degree from Western Michigan University and receiving a Masters in Public Administration from Grand Valley University in 1988. Fred was a man described by his friends and colleague as larger than life with a booming presence and an intense dedication. He was just the kind of man needed to work with troubled youth, and in 1968, the Lakeside Boys and Girls Residential facility was the perfect place to begin his career. He knew that the first thing he had to do was build a relationship with these kids, founded on trust, and then bring their families into these relationships. His goal was to help them become successful in life and to never give up on achieving their goals. With a heart filled with compassion and a strong sense of fairness, Fred was a natural for the job and helped many young people and their families. In 1970, Fred continued his commitment to youth by accepting a position at Child and Family Services Muskegon Childrens Home. He remained working with the troubled youth at the facility until 1986, when he accepted a position as a Probation Officer for the 20th Circuit Court, Family Division Juvenile Services. Through his continued dedication and enthusiasm, Fred was promoted to Senior Caseworker/Residential Specialist in 2004, increasing his responsibilities to those who needed him the most. With the acceptance of his new position, Fred not only worked with local youth, but also, provided support for many young people residing in court-ordered facilities within and outside the state of Michigan. Since this position required him to travel, Fred challenged himself by flying for the first time and learning that he truly enjoyed it - proving that you can do anything you set your mind to. Fred was constant in his commitment to the young people of Ottawa County. It was important to him to foster a close, professional relationship with the staff of the schools he served, maintain good communications with other community agencies, as well as law enforcement and residential placement staff. It was a big job for a big man with a big heart Fred Kerr. As busy as Fred was with his job, his own family always came first. Blessed with four wonderful children Jeremy, Benjamin, Anthony and Amelia he loved being a father. He loved his children with an intense fierceness and liked nothing better than spending his time with them, attending their activities, coaching their sports and being a Boy Scout leader. He continued setting a good example as a member of St. Johns Episcopal Church, and his family had been founding members of St. George's. This dedicated father would have done anything for his kids and made sure they knew what was important in life honesty, dedication, loyalty, always being prepared, and most of all, love. Following close behind his love of family was Freds dedication to anything tied to the University of Michigan. Maize and Blue were his favorite colors, along with the Big Red of Muskegon, and he could be described as a fanatical fan of U of M. Football, basketball, he loved them all, and cheered his teams on, loud and long. Working with troubled youth can be a tough job and Fred handled the adversity by talking things out with friends, and sharing or seeking support from others. He was able to find relaxation by hunting, reading, doing woodworking or gardening. These all helped relieve the stress of a hard day at work. Taken from this life much too early, Charles Fred Kerr leaves behind a legacy as a role model for others to be advocates for young people, while still holding them accountable. His dedication to youth and his love and dedication to family will be remembered by all who knew and loved him. Mr. Charles "Fred" Kerr, age 60, died Monday, October 13, 2008. His family includes four children, Jeremy (Melissa) Kerr, Benjamin, Anthony & Amelia Kerr all of Grand Haven; 1 grandchild, Hunter Morgan Kerr; and 1 brother, Kenneth Brian Kerr of NY. A memorial service will be held Monday, October 27, 2008, 3:00 PM at St. John's Episcopal Church. Please visit Freds personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may archive a favorite memory or photo, sign the online guest book or make a memorial contribution to Hospice of North Ottawa or the Kerr Family.