Harold C. " Brez " Brezina Sr.

Fun-loving and outgoing, Harold Brez Brezinas contagious smile and talent for comedy made him a welcome addition to any gathering. More than just a joker, however, Harold was also known for his honesty, his ethic of hard work, and his thoughtful concern for others. Although his hobbies ranged from golf to fishing to travel, for Harold family always came first. He dedicated his life to supporting his loved ones, and was never happier than when surrounded by friends and family. Harolds high principles, can-do attitude, and kind heart will live on in the memories of all those whose lives he touched; he was deeply loved, and will be deeply missed. The 1930s were in many ways a somber decade, sandwiched between the Stock Market Crash of 1929 and World War II. For proud parents Oscar and Helen (Minnick) Brezina, however, these difficult years were brightened by the birth of their son, Harold. Harold was born on November 12, 1931, and shared his birth year with the completion of the Empire State Building, the invention of the electric razor, and the legalization of gambling in Las Vegas. Oscar and Helen brought the newest member of their family home from Ionia, Michigan. Harold was the youngest of the family, and grew up with older twin sisters Betty and Peggy. When the time came for young Harold to attend classes, he was enrolled at Lowell Elementary School. Later, when Harold was in ninth grade, he and his family moved to Muskegon, Michigan. In his free time, Harold loved playing sports of all kinds, and especially enjoyed football. After graduating from Muskegon High School in 1949, Harold starting working fulltime at Plumbs Grocery. In between stocking shelves and ringing up customers, Harold found time to strike up a conversation with one of his co-workers, a young lady named Joyce Clarke. It was a case of love at first sight, and it wasnt long before Harold asked Joyce out to see a movie at the Michigan Theater. After a whirlwind 8-month romance, Harold proposed to Joyce. Although in later years Harold liked to joke that he was still waiting for her answer, Joyce must have signified her agreement somehow, since the happy couple was married at the McGraft Congregational Church of Muskegon on September 5, 1953. Harold and Joyce began their married life in Joyces fathers home, where they lived for six months. It wasnt long, however, before they bought a house on S. Sheridan Drive in Fruitport Twp., which would be their lifelong home. It was a wonderful neighborhood, one in which everyone looked out for each other, and Harold and his family often got together with the neighbors for cookouts and parties. As the years went by, Harold and Joyce were blessed with five children, whom they named Harold Jr., Helene, Joseph, Robert, and Michael. Harold supported his family with various jobs throughout the years, including 25 years spent with Viking Foods of Muskegon as a manager. He was a wonderful father, who supported his kids in all their endeavors, and never missed a sporting event! He loved spending time with the kids, and took them along to fishing trips, U of M games, and races at the Thunderbird Raceway. For vacations, the Brezina family made many happy memories travelling around Michigan in their pop-up trailer. Family was important to Harold and Joyce, and holiday celebrations were always huge events where extended family members gathered from far and near. Sadly, their family gatherings lost a beloved face in 1952 when Harolds mother Helen passed away, and again in 1959, with the death of his father, Oscar. In 1993, Harold began his retirement, and set out to enjoy his golden years. He and Joyce were both thrilled to become grandparents, and were very involved in the lives of each of their grandchildren. They were also enthusiastic travelers, and made voyages to destinations as far flung as Venezuela, Hawaii, and Acapulco. Closer to home, Harold enjoyed trying his luck at the casino, and cheering on the sports teams of his favorite university, the University of Michigan. In 2006, Harold was devastated by the death of his beloved wife Joyce, who had been his companion and helpmate for more than five decades. Although Harold found comfort in spending time with his children and grandchildren in the years to come, he was never quite the same without Joyce. Honest and proud, gentle and humorous, Harold was a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, and a loyal friend. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his many friends and family members. Mr. Harold C. "Brez" Brezina Sr. died on August 28, 2013, at the age of 81. Harolds family includes his sons, Harold (Nenita) Brezina Jr. of Muskegon, Joe (Victoria) Brezina of Norton Shores, Robert (Mindy) Brezina of Fruitport, and Michael (Carla) Brezina of NH; his daughter, Helene (Tom) Welch of Norton Shores; 12 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Joyce; and his twin sisters, Peggy and Betty. Services will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, September 12, at the Clock Chapel Muskegon, with Rev. Carlos Ramos officiating. For those who wish, memorial donations may be directed to the Harbor Hospice. Please visit Harolds personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can learn more about his life, share a favorite memory or photo, and sign the online guestbook.