Dorsaye. "Butch" Phipps, Jr.

At the age of 65, Dorsay E. Butch Phipps, Jr. left this life in the company of good friends, doing what he loved to do best. He leaves a loving family and grateful friends who remember his warm and tender heart with memories of a man who gave his all. Always there for his children, Butch will be truly missed by those he leaves behind. The year 1943 was a time of mixed blessings. Declaration was made that the Great Depression was finally over, and The Pentagon was officially dedicated in Arlington, Virginia. With publications like The Saturday Evening Post and box office hits like Casablanca, a sense of optimism gave American households a sense of normalcy as citizens throughout the nation came together during the tumultuous times of World War II. A most blessed occasion took place in the lives the Dorsay and Gladys (Fowler) Phipps when they welcomed the birth of their first child, a son they named Dorsay E. Phipps, Jr. on August 22, 1943 in the industrial town along the shores of Lake Michigan in Ludington, Michigan. Dorsay, Jr., who went by Butch, was later joined by younger siblings Gary and Margo. His father and mother worked hard to support their family and to make a good life for them full of hope and promise. Butchs parents both worked as laborers in Muskegon, Michigan. His father worked as a core maker at C.W.C. while his mother worked at Muskegon Piston Ring. As Butch enjoyed a typical childhood for youngsters at the time, he was a quiet kid who, even at a young age, had a tender heart for others. His brother Gary, on the other hand, was quite outgoing with his knack for mischievous comedy and was always playing a prank or two on Butch that quite often found Butch pretty angry. One time, Butchs mom even got mad when Gary hung Butch upside down on the clothes line! With his little sister Margo, Butch was a kind hearted big brother, always looking out for her and her well being. At 17 years old, Butch, like many young men during the Korean War, joined the U.S. Army where he was stationed in Korea. It was here that Butch became burdened for the young children living in the local orphanages there, and where Butch gladly gave most of his paychecks for their benefit. Shortly following his discharge from the military, and once he returned back home to Michigan, Butch went to work for Service Master where he remained working for over 20 years. Over time, Butch welcomed the birth of his son James. They enjoyed their summers together along with spending time with family. Memorable bonds were formed and fun times were had while they enjoyed days of fishing, times camping, and many motorcycle rides together. With his heart of gold, Butch opened his loving arms to his stepchildren as well, and was always there for his children. Special memories were shared of time spent together, and while growing up, each of them knew full well to be good when they got the look from Butch! Butch enjoyed being a grandpa to his grandchildren, and spent time to be with them whenever he could. He often took them fishing, to play miniature golf, or to Old Town. As well, Butch knew how to have a good time. Once while taking in the rides at an amusement park, Butch even gathered the courage, with his son James, to stand in line for the Human Sling Shot ride. Once they finally reached the point of actually getting on the ride though, Butch had second thoughts and passed on the adventurous opportunity. Along with his enjoyment for rather odd and out-of-the-ordinary hats, Butch delighted in the sounds of the oldies. He was an avid reader, finding pleasure in a good western, Bruce Lee movies, and found contentment in his love for fishing. However, Butch was absolutely in his element when riding his Honda motorcycle, taking in the freedom, and loving what the open road had to offer. It was on Thursday, June 4 that Butch and a few of his buddies set out on their motorcycles for the open road towards the Mackinac Bridge. After just 45 minutes into their trip, Butch was involved in an accident that crashed his bike, leaving him with severe injuries. He was flown to a hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan where he remained in critical condition for several days. Thankfully, his children and grandchildren were granted enough time to travel from Florida to be by his side before he died on Monday, June 8, 2009. Content in his ride down the open road with the sun shining warm upon his face, Butch left life as he knew it, doing what he loved to do best. He is survived by his son, James (Karey) Phipps of FL; stepchildren, Gary (Lori) Scheuneman, Charles Califf, and Cheryl (Steve) Cole, all of FL; 23 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; sister, Margo (Butch) Burton of Muskegon; several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends; best friend, Terry (Avis) Rogers. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Gary, and stepson, John Califf. A Memorial Service to celebrate Butchs life will be held on Friday, June 12, 2009, 1:00 PM with visitation one hour prior to the service at the Clock Chapel-Muskegon. MEMORIAL: To the family for expenses. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to leave a memory, submit a favorite photo or to sign his online guest book.