Harry F. Lynn Jr.

Harry F. Lynn, Jr. was a hard working, fun loving, bright and honest man who was loved and cherished by his family and admired and respected by his friends. Harry Jr. was born at a time when families were trying to make life pleasant in the midst of the Depression. Money was scarce, so people made their own entertainment at home, playing parlor and board games, listening to baseball on the radio, and being inspired by President Franklin Roosevelt's Fireside Chats. One family who created a such happy home was Harry and Carol (Smith) Lynn of N. Muskegon, Michigan. Their first child, Harry Jr., was born on August 6, 1930 in Holland, Michigan. He would become the big brother of Robert and Beryl who added to Harry's memorable childhood. Their parents worked hard to make life comfortable during difficult times. Their father worked at Continental Motors in Muskegon while their mother remained at home to tend to the family needs. Harry Jr. attended school in Muskegon but left Muskegon High in the 12th grade to join the Air Force. He became a truck driver while stationed in Guam. At a young age, he had taken on responsibilities that served him well throughout his life. Returning to the United States from Guam, Harry was stationed in Utah. He met Lee and was married in 1951 before receiving his discharge in New York and moving back to Muskegon. He was also back on the road, driving for Wolverine Truck Lines. In the mid 1950s, Harry went to work as an accountant for Teledyne Continental Motors, a position he held for 30 years until his retirement in 1995. The family settled into their first home on 813 W. Dale Avenue in Muskegon, just a few blocks from Harry's parents. He enjoyed life in a typical working class neighborhood: getting together with family, bowling, going to parties, and celebrating the holidays. When Harry and Lee divorced in 1962, the family remained near to one another with Lee and their children remaining in the home and Harry living with his parents just a few blocks away. In the years to come, Harry met a woman with whom he would not only share his life but also his enthusiasm for bowling. A close friend introduced him to Rita Trembley who worked at Howard Johnson's and bowled in a women's league. Their friendship grew into love and commitment, and Harry and Rita were married on August 3, 1968 at the First Congregational Church of Muskegon. Life was good. He thoroughly enjoyed his work, even taking on a second job with Langard TV Repair on Peck Street. Amid the long hours, he found time for recreation. Harry bowled every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday and spent time with family or with friends at the Muskegon Moose, Elks, the UAW #1279 and the Lincoln Country Club. On weekends he golfed because, as he was fond of saying, "it never rains on the golf course." Harry continued to bowl and golf until bursitis afflicted him later in life. He also liked to fish and was a big fan of the Detroit Tigers. In 1974, Harry and Rita moved to Maple Grove Apartments. Harry's family was growing as his children married and had children of their own. In 1987, Harry and Rita bought a double-wide in Egel Craft Mobile Home Park, across the street from his daughter's home. Now it was time for Harry to fulfill a role that thrilled him: grandfather. He loved being with his grandkids, attending hockey games, dance recitals, school functions, driver's training, or going fishing. Harry was a very devoted grandfather. He was also a good friend. Throughout his life, he had a lot of close friends and was gifted at making friends. Harry was the kind of person who could walk into a room of strangers and leave having a new friend. In retirement, Harry and Rita had more time for trips to Canada to visit her family or to travel on bus mystery trips or take excursions to Vegas and other casinos. In 1995, he underwent bypass surgery in Milwaukee and enjoyed fairly good health until June of 2006. Multiple surgeries with complications were finally too much for him and Harry passed away on Wednesday. He will be dearly loved, deeply missed, and fondly remembered by his family and friends. As Harry always said, "Have a Nice Day!" Mr. Harry F. Lynn, Jr., age 76, died September 27, 2006. He is survived by his wife, Rita; 2 sons, Harry "Joe" Lynn III of Grand Rapids, Larry (Ann) Lynn of Fruitport; 5 daughters, Linda Fraser of Muskegon, Cathy (Ron) Hegbloom of Muskegon, Deborah (Michael) Redmon of Muskegon, Karen (Rick) Hoffmeister of California, Cheryl Langlois of Muskegon; 17 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; sister, Beryl (Ron) Robinson of Birch Run, MI; brother, Robert (Mary Ellen) Lynn of Arizona; several nieces & nephews. Services will be Monday, October 2, 2006, 1:00 PM at Clock Chapel-Muskegon with Rev. Chris Anderson officiating. Interment at Fruitport Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Kidney Foundation or the American Lung Association.