Sherwood J. Basch

The timeless legacy Sherwood Basch leaves behind reminds us that happiness is not found in the pursuit of wealth or fame, but that true joy is found in the relationships we share with those around us. He was a devoted family man and loyal friend who was content in all things, greeting both the peaks and valleys in his life with a willing spirit. Sherwood was a hard worker who believed that anything worth doing is worth doing to the best of ones ability. With a life that spanned times of war and times of peace, times of plenty and times of want, he created a brilliant tapestry of memories that will remain a lasting treasure in the hearts and lives of those who cherished him. The year 1917 was a year to remember in the lives of one young couple from Suttons Bay, Michigan, as they were pleased to welcome a healthy baby boy into their hearts and home on October 14th in their farm house in Suttons Bay. Sherwood John was the only child born to his parents, John and Bertha (Bequist) Basch. His father was a station skipper for the United States Coast Guard while his mother was a homemaker. Sherwood spent his youngest years in proximity to the Coast Guard Station on North Manitou Island where he enjoyed playing with the children belonging to other members of the Coast Guard. Many of these playmates became lifelong friends. In 1931 Sherwood moved with his parents to the Coast Guard Station in Muskegon. Sherwoods strong work ethic began as a student. He attended schools in North Manitou, Sleeping Bear Dunes, and Muskegon, graduating from Muskegon High School in 1935. From there he went on to Muskegon Junior College where he earned a degree in drafting and engineering. As WWII landed on our doorstep on December 7, 1941, we were left with no choice but to declare war the next day. Like so many other young men and women of his generation, Sherwood served in the military during this time of great need. He was a soldier in the United States Army and served as an instructor of small arms. By the time Sherwood was discharged he had risen to the rank of sergeant major. Life turned in a new and exciting direction for Sherwood when he was set up on a blind date by some friends, George and Mildred Bergeon. His date for the evening was a delightful woman named Millicent Anderson, and a dating relationship soon followed their first date. With a desire to build a life together Sherwood and Millicent were married on February 20, 1946. Together they were blessed with two children: Jeff and Sue. They raised their children in a home on Spring Lake, and enjoyed spending time together as a family. Most summers they did some traveling together, usually out East for one to two weeks at a time. Sherwood always treasured the vacations they took as a family in addition to summer boating. As a young boy his son, Jeff, always thought that his father was the smartest man in the world, but by the time Jeff was in his twenties he was convinced that his father was the second smartest. Both Sherwood and Millicent looked forward to Sunday dinners with their children followed by slide shows and shooting guns in the basement range. Throughout his life Sherwood was one to work hard. In 1940 he joined Morton Manufacturing as a draftsman. During his time there he worked his way up the ladder, eventually becoming the vice president of engineering and sales. Sherwood also designed the worlds largest machine tool in the 1960s. He remained at Morton Manufacturing for over 20 years before becoming the owner and operator of Basch Engineering for nearly 30 years. Sherwoods work took him on the road for much of the year but he always had time to help the children when he was at home. He officially retired in 1988. In addition to spending time with his family, Sherwoods life was enriched in many ways. He had so many friends that he could fill a small town if they were to all gather in one place. During their younger years Sherwood and Millicent attended Samuel Lutheran Church. Later in life they became members of Fruitport Congregational United Church of Christ. With his social and outgoing personality, Sherwood was a member of both the Lions Club and the Elks. As someone who enjoyed construction and was a gifted woodworker, he built a home, primarily on his own, on some property he purchased in the wilderness of Fruitport in 1946. When Mortons closed, Sherwood had to start over, and although he was 55 years old at the time he didnt complain one bit. After retiring Sherwood enjoyed having more time to pursue his interests. He had time for more woodworking and working with home construction in Suttons Bay. Sherwood participated in several social activities with all his friends, and with a special place in his heart for dogs he treasured the companionship of his most recent dog, Tiger. His family continued to play an important role in his life, too. He taught his son all about the stock market, and Jeff in turn taught his father about coin collecting. Sherwood also frequently played golf and dabbled in photography. He was thrilled to become a grandfather and loved spending time with his grandchildren. Together with his grandchildren Sherwood frequently built toy boats and did a fair amount of card playing as well. He always made sure the row boat was ready for them, too. With the love of his life by his side for more than 66 years, Sherwood Basch experienced so many of the best things that life had to offer. He worked hard, yet he knew how to play hard, too, and never took even one moment for granted. Life will never be the same without Sherwood here, but the impact he made on the lives of those around him will never be forgotten. Sherwood J. Basch died Thursday, August 16, 2012. Sherwoods family includes his wife, Millicent; son, Jeff (Amy) Basch of Norton Shores; daughter, Sue (Stan) Samdal of NY; grandchildren, Shaun step grandchildren, Jamie, Jeremy, Aaron great-grandchild, Marek. Sherwood was preceded in death by his parents. Services will be held on Thursday, August 23, 2012, 2:00 p.m. at Fruitport Congregational United Church of Christ with Rev. Donald Wood officiating. Visit with Sherwoods family and friends on Wednesday, 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Clock Life Story Funeral Home - Fruitport. Memorials can be made to Fruitport Congregational UCC or Fruitport Lions or the Charity of Your Choice. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book.