Gerald Charles Proctor

Not one for the city life, Gerald Proctor appreciated the wide open spaces and all the outdoors had to offer. He preferred the country where he took in not only the beauty, but his love for fishing and hunting. Gerald embraced all who came his way. He never met a stranger, and once his friend, always a friend. Loving and compassionate, he loved his family deeply and leaves much to be remembered. With the crash of the stock market in 1929, the Great Depression began to take a toll on the nation. By 1931, the U.S. jobless rate reached nearly four million, and economic hardship was felt from coast to coast. Even so, events such as the opening of the Empire State Building, and the adoption of the Star-Spangled Banner as our nation's anthem, allowed for hopeful tomorrows. For Charles and Bernice (Kaiser) Proctor of Muskegon Heights, Michigan, the days took on new meaning, especially during the labor day holiday that year. Expecting their first child, the Proctors were traveling from Chicago, Illinois back home to Muskegon when Gerald began announcing his arrival. After making an unplanned stop at a Benton Harbor hospital, they welcomed the birth of their precious baby boy, Gerald Charles on May 29, and eventually resumed their trip home with their new bundle. Having made their home in Muskegon Heights, Gerald's father worked as a welder and his mother remained at home as a homemaker with Gerald and his younger siblings, David and Linda. From an early age, Gerald appreciated the outdoors. He loved hiking, hunting, and fishing, and his time as a boy scout helped him further his interest in these areas. He attended the local schools and was well liked with his outgoing and personable nature. In high school, Gerald played the violin in the school band, and was a member of the track team. After graduating from Muskegon Heights High School in 1949, Gerald went on to attend Muskegon Junior College where he was a member of the swim and water polo teams. The country life was Gerald's greatest desire, and after growing up in Muskegon Heights, he eventually moved to a blueberry farm in the Twin Lake area. The year 1951 was an exciting year in Gerald's life. He not only graduated from Junior College, but also married his childhood sweetheart, Margaret Saunders. In fact, the decade of the 1950s was all-around busy for Gerald. He served in the U.S. Air Force, attaining the rank of Captain as a single engine jet pilot, and played basketball. After his honorable discharge, he began working for the Shell Oil Company as an oil field engineer. Over these years, Gerald also became the proud father of five wonderful children, Charles, Bruce, Steven, Todd, and Joni. He worked hard to support his family, and at one point started his own business, the Proctor Mausoleum Construction Company. Gerald loved teaching his children, and eventual grandchildren, about the outdoors. They spent time together hunting, fishing, hiking at Ludington State Park, and memorable times camping. Gerald loved camping so much, he decided to buy a campground. He owned and operated the campground on Acker Lake for nearly six years. Gerald also believed in teaching the importance of responsibility. He was known for his many lists, and in turn, the kids always had an endless possibility of chores to do! With many family times to recall, Gerald especially enjoyed their family vacation to California one year when he taught his children to play cards. Furthering his education, Gerald received his degree in civil engineering in 1954 from Michigan Tech. He later attained his master's degree from West Michigan College. For many years he taught at several local schools including Holton, Reeths Puffer, and Montague as a math and drafting teacher. After some time as a single man again, Gerald was ready to take another chance on love. His son, Charles worked at Gospel films with Merle Stark Carlson. Charles thought highly of Merle, and introduced her to his father. They began dating, fell love, and were happily married on July 15, 1978. Merle had four children, Sherri, Randy, Charles, and Carla who Gerald welcomed as his own. He loved all of their children equally, and in his heart there was no difference in what was otherwise a blended family. A kid at heart, Gerald absolutely loved Christmastime. He so enjoyed going to pick out the tree, cutting it down, and then taking it home to decorate. With many gifts loaded under the tree, Gerald often tried to spread Christmas out for over a week. Gerald and Merle truly enjoyed family times and gathering all their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren together. As a pilot, Gerald enjoyed taking his family flying, too. He was a member of two flying clubs, the White Lake Flying Club, and the West Michigan Flying Club. They once took the one of the flying club's Cessna C-177 to Alaska, and at other times traveled to Florida and Mackinac Island. Along with his love for flying, Gerald also enjoyed coin and stamp collecting. Gerald and Merle also enjoyed trips together. Whether it was their time in Hawaii, spending time in the Upper Peninsula, or just cruising the open road, they made the most of being together. Gerald would always help with the set up and take down at the art fairs. They especially liked going out to eat, and taking in a movie now and then. As a teacher, education was no less a high priority for Gerald. In fact, he made sure to set-up funds for his grandchildren's college educations. Although a penny pincher to the core, Gerald was generous of heart and compassionate towards others. He always gave the best advice, and took those within his reach under his wing with devotion and dedication. An integral part of many lives, his love will live on forevermore. At the age of 81, Gerald C. Proctor died Monday, October 22, 2012. SURVIVORS:Wife of 34 years, Merle; children, Charles (Beth Iams) Proctor, Bruce (Kathy) Proctor, Steven (Kathy) Proctor, Todd (Tatiana) Proctor, Joni (Bob Dykstra) Simmons; step-children, Sherri (Joe) Mey, Randy (Rhonda) Carlson, Chuck (Kathy) Carlson, Carla DeWall; 22 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; brother, David Proctor; sister, Linda (Russell) Johnson; several nieces and nephews. Gerald was preceded in death by his parents and grandchild, Katja. SERVICE: Friday, October 26, 2012, 11:00 AM at the Clock Chapel-Muskegon with Rev. Carlos Ramos officiating. VISITATION: Thursday, 6-8 PM at Clock Life Story Funeral Home-Muskegon. MEMORIAL: Mercy VNS and Hospice. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to share a favorite memory and of Gerald and to sign his online guest book.