Sidney Baldwin

Sidney Baldwin was known by many as a talented accordion player, avid fisherman, successful gardener and accomplished woodcrafter, but to his family he was a loving father and involved grandfather. Punctual and honest, he took his work responsibilities seriously. Proud, and thrifty, he made a life good for his family. Talented, handsome, strong and intelligent, he invested himself in what mattered most in life: the people and things he loved. Sidney was born in Ashton-Under-Line, Manchester, England on November 12, 1918, the day after all of Europe celebrated the end of World War I. During the period of rebuilding, immigrants like William and Nellie (Ashburn) Baldwin looked overseas to find broader opportunities for their family. With their children, Gladys and Sidney, the couple headed for Canada when Sidney was four years old. A job opportunity with Continental Motors in the U.S. moved the family to Muskegon, Michigan, which became Sidneys lifelong home. Sidney was 16 years old when he first picked up the musical instrument that became an integral part of his adult life. He taught himself the accordion and, over time, formed his own group and played live regularly on WOOD Radio. Along with his friends, Bob Benson and Jim Hartman, Sidney formed The Sid Baldwin Trio, and the three of them had great times together doing what they loved. Sid was a driven young man who, along with his musical interests, took on a paper route for the Muskegon Chronicle and completed school at Muskegon High, class of 1936. His friendship with a young woman named Elaine Patterson was well established before the two of them began dating. While their courtship was long, their engagement was brief. Sid and Elaine married on August 23, 1944 in Muskegon, and they honeymooned in Chicago. It was the beginning of a 63 year marriage. Into their union were born three daughters: Suzanne in 1945, Linda in 1949 and Cindy in 1952. The girls attended Churchill School, and Sidney provided for them in the same way his father had working for Continental Motors. Sid was a principled man who preferred to pay as he went, so when it came to building his own home, he paid cash and never assumed a mortgage. By 1949, the house on Randall Road near Mona Lake was the place the family called home and remained his residence until his death. Over the years, Sidney stayed busy with many hobbies: his band, mechanics, gardening, woodworking, bowling, cooking and fishing. In 1950 he considered professional bowling but declined due to family considerations. He became a member of the Muskegon Masonic Lodge and Muskegon Eagles and enjoyed going to horse races and to the casino. Most importantly, Sidney spent time with his family and established routines that provided stability and fun. There were the Friday night stops at the Doo Drop Inn for take-out fish and the Sunday drives to Mills Ice Cream Shop. They took trips to the Upper Peninsula and Pompano Beach, Florida to visit Sids parents. His interests kept him active and vital. By the time his daughters left home and had families of their own, Sid was ready to lavish his attention on grandchildren. Sid and Elaine were excited by the birth of their first grandchild and with each of the other five who graced their lives with joy. Julie, Joni, Angela, Jamie, Jeremy and Leah have memories of many fun times including outings and trips with Grandpa and Grandma, who let them know how special they were. Sid and Elaine were devoted to their grandchildren and very involved in their lives. Later in life Sid enjoyed taking the girls to Chicago for a Cubs game. Over the last 30 years the family gathered together at the Elwells home for an annual Fathers Day picnic. Fricano;s was Sids favorite restaurant and family gathering place for birthdays and celebrations After 35 years of working for Teledyne, Sidney retired in 1978 and he and Elaine took the opportunity to travel even more. They spanned the United States to the far reaches of Alaska and made many trips back to England. Sid and Elaine had a full and happy life together, so her unexpected death on June 18, 2007 left Sid very lonely. Still, he persevered in his own home with the company of his pet parrot, Laney. He was able to get around well enough, but a diagnosis of cancer back in 2005 gradually worsened his health. Sidney passed away in Muskegon on Monday, February 25, 2008 at the age of 89 with his 3 daughters at his side.With his blue eyes and pure white hair he cut a sharp image of intelligence, determination and pride. Sidney will be dearly missed by his family: 3 daughters, Suzanne Baldwin (Dave Hopkins) of Muskegon, Linda (Jim) Elwell of Muskegon and Cindy (Jim) Koehler of Muskegon; 6 grandchildren, Julie, Joni, Angela, Jamie, Jeremy and Leah; 13 great grandchildren; 3 great great grandchildren and a loving sister, Gladys Kitchka of Muskegon. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Elaine. A private family service will be held. Memorial contributions to Muskegon Rescue Mission will be greatly appreciated