Harold J. Workman Sr.

It is difficult to summarize the life of a man whose touch was so far-reaching, whose heart was so compassionate and tender, and whose life was such a rich tapestry of achievements and milestones. Harold Workman was an extraordinary man who profoundly affected the community in which he lived, but what was of the greatest significance to Harold, was not so much the way he impacted the lives of those around him, but rather the way he touched their hearts. He was a man of faith and he demonstrated the Christian faith through the quiet whispers of his actions that spoke volumes to anyone within his reach, each and every day. The 1910s was a decade of great change within our nation as we were struggling to deal with issues such as immigration and poverty and it wasnt until the decade drew to a close, that women gained the right to vote. Just ten days after the start of WWI, Peter and Etta (Nienhuis) Workman, of Muskegon, Michigan, were blessed with the birth of their only child, Harold John, on August 14, 1914. Harold's father worked as a machinist at Campbell Wyant and Cannon Foundry (CWC) and during the Great Depression, which began in late 1929 and continued through the thirties, he also owned a grocery store while his wife stayed home to care for their home and young Harold. Growing up during the depression established a strong work ethic. Harold was in the minority of young people during this generation as he attended Muskegon area schools when many school-aged children were found solely in the workplace. Harold graduated in 1933. It was also during these years in which Harold satiated his love for music when he played the clarinet in the high school band and continued his playing in garage bands throughout the years, even traveling with the drum and bugle corps that was sponsored by his employer. His favorite instrument was playing the Bones. After finishing high school, Harold, like his father, found work at CWC, which would soon bring him more than a paycheck. It was here that he met a delightful young woman named Ruth Hoffman and it was love at first sight for them both. Over time, they had fallen deeply in love and were married on March 12, 1941, in their newly purchased home on Ada Street in Muskegon where they wanted to build a life for themselves and the family they longed for. The newlyweds were deeply saddened when they were advised that due to health concerns, they should not have children. This, however, was not in Gods plan and they were soon blessed with two precious children: Marietta, born in 1941, and Harold John, in 1948. Although both births were difficult, they relished in this gift from God and raised their children to know and embrace the God that had bestowed these precious children upon them. Harold continued to work at CWC for 18 years and then went to work at Dresser Industries for 27 years as an Industrial Relations Manager until he retired in 1979. In addition to supporting his family, Harold embraced his role as a father and together with Ruth, shaped their children into the adults they would one day become. They nurtured their children with loving firmness, high expectations, regular religious practices, generous hospitality, stimulating conversation, and immeasurable amounts of fun. They established numerous routines and traditions including Sundays filled with church and fellowship with friends, family night at the YMCA every Friday followed by perch and onion rings at the Doo Drop Inn in Muskegon. Their lives were rich with close friendships and beginning in 1949, the Workman family vacationed with church friends at Silver Lake for two weeks each summer for the following 30 years. The Fourth of July was also a special day where the Hoffman clan gathered together at the lake where laughter and good times abounded. Harold and Ruth traveled with their children throughout the nation and in Michigan, impacting both thier childrens' lives and their hearts Not only was Harold highly influential in the lives of his children, but throughout the Muskegon community as well. Harold is considered one of Muskegons top community activists and is praised for being a gracious, humble, and helpful person. He has additionally been recognized as one of the most influential people when it came to diversifying the community. Harold flew as far south as Mississippi and Georgia to recruit African Americans and bring them to Muskegon where he not only found them work, but helped then establish their lives too. Due in a large part to these efforts, the black population rose from 1,800 to 8,000 between 1940 and 1943. Harolds volunteer efforts with the city of Muskegon included serving on the planning commission for 36 years, 22 as chairman, which gained him lifetime membership on the Michigan Society of Planning Officers. Harold additionally helped launch Muskegon Area Labor Management Council (MALMAC) as one of its original six directors, served on various boards including for his home church, Unity Reformed, for Hope College, the former General Hospital, the Muskegon Family YMCA, Muskegon Rescue Mission and was a chairman of the Private Industry Council, a workforce development organization. Harold helped bring the Muskegon Mall to downtown Muskegon, helped create Seaway Drive, and also helped found local Goodwill Industries and Junior Achievement branches. With his leisure time, Harold pursued additional interests as well. He was a huge Big Reds fan and held season tickets with his wife since 1965, attending all football games right up through the 2008 season. Later in life, they moved to the Glenside district, but soon after Harold retired, they were off to Hawaii, Australia, and Europe and they spent their winters in Florida where they both enjoyed playing golf. Harold Workman was a man of unmatched character who set high priorities in his life and made a significant impact within his community. He is often defined by his commitment to faith, family, and community, even being awarded with the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Muskegon Area Labor Management Council. Currently the Harold Workman Award is given each year to the business person in the community who most exemplifies Harolds values. His family life was rich with experiences that taught his two children curiosity as well as discipline and he leaves behind a legacy rich in faith, integrity, and love that will surly stand the test of time. Harold loved a good joke and could give one too, was generous and passionate about the things he believed in, living by the motto give it all you got & a job worth doing is worth doing well each and every day. He will be dearly missed and warmly remembered by all those within his reach. Harold J. Workman died Tuesday, June 2, 2009. Harolds family includes his son, H. John (Kathleen) Workman; daughter, Marietta "Marti" Driscoll, both of Muskegon; grandchildren, Scott, Susan, Michael, Matthew; 5 great grandchildren; several nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Ruth on January 28, 2009 & son-in-law, Robert Driscoll in 2008. Funeral services will be held on Friday, June 5, 2009, 11:00 a.m. at Unity Reformed Church with Rev. Kyle DeYoung & Rev. James Bos officiating. Interment at Oakwood Cemetery. Visit with Harolds family and friends on Thursday, 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. at Clock Life Story Funeral Homes Muskegon location, Muskegon, MI. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com, where you can leave a favorite memory or make a memorial contribution to YMCA Camp Pendalouan or Unity Reformed Church.