Harold E. Adams

Harold E. Adams was a caring husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather who led by example. He weathered difficulties with his strength of character and met challenges with a resilient spirit. He received the rewards of hard work, not only with financial security, but also in the determination his children had to make it on their own. A phrase his family frequently heard from himOh, Myset the stage for whatever came next. It didnt matter what life threw at him, Harold was always positive, even bubbly. When asked how he was doing, Harold always replied, Fantastic! Harold was born to C.E. and Swanhild (Dale) Adams at home in North Muskegon, Michigan on April 7, 1924, two years after the birth of his only sibling, Dale. His father was employed in nearby Grand Rapids as a tool and die maker, and his mother worked in various jewelry stores in Muskegon while caring for the two boys at home. Harold came of age during the Depression and, like others his age, met the challenge of a second world war that earned them the distinction of being named The Greatest Generation. Harold enjoyed a typical boyhood filled with sports and friends. He attended North Muskegon elementary, junior high and high school, where he played baseball and football. Athletic and scrappy, he was one of the quarterbacks (one of his many positions) who, in 1941-42, led the team to a perfect season in which they were unscored upon. In years to come, Harold would be named to the Muskegon Football Hall of Fame as a result of his achievements. Sports got Harold noticed but his charm attracted the attention of girls. He liked to impress them and often bragged about his social life to his buddies. One of those friends was Eddie Davis, with whom he worked on cars and then drag raced to Traverse City and back. Harold definitely lived his life with gusto. After high school graduation, Harold had plans to go to college to become a dentist, but he joined the Marine Corps instead. During his tour of duty, he saw a lot of actionWWII experiences that he never cared to talk about once he returned home. He had done his duty and moved on. However, life took a sad turn when the woman he had married became very ill. Jeanne was bedridden with cancer and received care at home until the day of her death. One of the neighbors who cared for Jeanne was a social worker by the name of Eunice Kooi. She volunteered to help and the three of them became good friends. Some time after Jeannes death, Harold announced to Eunice, I am going to marry you. She responded, Youve got to be kidding, but he wasnt, and the two were married on January 24, 1959. They were blessed with one daughter, Cathy, and seven sons, Randy, Bill, Jack, Michael, Tom, Jim and Steven. Harold was a stern and strict father but always fair. When he disciplined his children, he held out the possibility of paddling them, but he rarely used the threat. That is, until the last 3 children. Perhaps when Jim was born, Harold had run out of patience with number 6, and he would tell Jim to go get his own switch. But more memorable to Jim was the fact that he earned his own money to buy his first tricycle, and by the time he was 11 years old, he had $1300 in the bank. That kind of work ethic had been passed on from Harold. Just like him, Harolds kids worked for everything they got, and they were rightfully proud of their accomplishments. Harold truly was a hard worker. At one time, he was working two jobs as a metallurgist for various companies. Still, he knew how to relax after work and take time away for family and friends. He liked coming home to his Early Times Bourbon, and dinner at 5:30 PM with meat, potatoes and gravy. Often times, he invited folks over for cocktails and played host. He was quite the snappy dresser and always a gentleman. Vacation time meant family time. Together they traveled in a home-built truck camper that they took across the country to such places as the Upper Peninsula, South Dakota and Florida. In retirement, Harold and Eunice went even farther a-field and traveled the world. Always resilient and energetic, Harold bounced back from a stroke in 2005, but he was not able to recover from some health complications that claimed his life on Thursday, June 17, 2010. He died at home with his family near him. As a member of Fruitport Christian Reformed Church, Harold was nurtured within the spiritual family who now comforts his own family. They all miss him dearly and remember him with deep love and affection. Mr. Harold E. Adams, age 86 of Fruitport, Michigan, is survived by his wife of 51 years, Eunice; daughter, Cathy VanVeelen of Norton Shores; sons, Randy (Gayle) Adams of FL, Bill (Pat) Adams of Fruitport, Jack Adams of Japan, Tom (Gail) Adams of Grand Haven, Jim (Kim) Adams of Fruitport; 14 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; daughters-in-law, Christine Adams of Muskegon and Sylvia Street of SD. He was preceded in death by sons, Michael in 1960 and Steven in 1994; brother, Dale. Funeral service will be held Monday, June 21, 2010, 1:00 PM at the Clock Chapel - Muskegon with Rev. Jerry Postema officiating. Interment at Oakwood Cemetery. The family will receive guests on Sunday, 7-9 PM and on Monday, 1 hour prior to the service at Clock Life Story Funeral Home - Muskegon. Memorial contributions may be made to Harbor Hospice. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book.