Obituary for Gerard “Sam” Frederick Harring Gerard “Sam” Frederick Harring, age 93, of Spring Lake passed away July 3, 2018 after a brief illness. He was born April 20, 1925, in Grand Rapids to Fred and Hazel (Mead) Harring, and educated at Grand Rapids Catholic Central and Davenport Business College. He came of age during the Great Depression, romanticized that era, and the years of rationing and privation left a positive mark on him.
He was a WWII veteran who served in the US Navy in the Pacific Theater, but never felt the need to tell war stories. An eccentric in the best sense of that word, enthusiastic, curious, and positive in outlook. He had wide ranging interests, including music (a multi-instrumentalist and collector of sheet music), astronomy, reading (primarily science and engineering), sports and travelling.
He was a natural athlete who swam a mile a day and exercised regularly at the Grand Haven YMCA until his last days. A devout Catholic, he never missed a single Mass until very recently, but was never dogmatic and appreciated all religions and cultures. A St. Mary’s parish volunteer for nearly 60 years and was also a longtime member of the Spring Lake Lions Club.
Personally frugal, but generous with family, friends and strangers alike with his money and time. A teller of stories, oftentimes the same story, but he did it with such enthusiasm that the listener usually didn’t have the heart to say they’d heard it at least once already. Sam leaves behind his long-time companion and best friend, Doris Ducey, along with his children: Dan, Laura, Linda Fuller (James), Fred (Rachel Pinsky), Alice Rose (Randy), Lisa Thurman (Barry) and John (Leah Panken).
He is also survived by grandchildren Tres, Max, Alex, Simon and Kate. He was especially proud of his children’s independence and the fact that they all lived and travelled the world during their lives. His family and Doris wish to thank all of his medical providers over the years, particularly Dr. Greg Stempky and Dr. Paul Haight, whose abilities and bedside manners were remarkable.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 10, 2018, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with Rev. David Gross as celebrant. Military honors will be provided by the Charles A. Conklin American Legion Post # 28 Honor Guard.
Friends may meet the family from 6-8 p.m. on Monday, July 9, at Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services – The Spring Lake Chapel with the Rosary at 7:30 p.m. Interment will be in Spring Lake Cemetery. Share memories with the family at their online guest book at www. sytsemafh.com.
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Gerard “Sam” Frederick Harring please visit our Sympathy Store. Upcoming Events Visitation 2018 JUL 9. 06:00 PM – 08:00 PM The Spring Lake Chapel 213 East Savidge Spring Lake, MI, US, 49456 Order Flowers for the Visitation Guaranteed delivery before Gerard’s Visitation begins.
Rosary 2018 JUL 9. 07:30 PM The Spring Lake Chapel 213 East Savidge Spring Lake, MI, US, 49456 Order Flowers for the Rosary Service Guaranteed delivery before Gerard’s Rosary Service begins. Mass of Christian Burial 2018 JUL 10.
11:00 AM St. Mary’s Catholic Church 406 E. Savidge St. Spring Lake, MI, US, 49456 Order Flowers for the Mass of Christian Burial Guaranteed delivery before Gerard’s Mass of Christian Burial begins.
If you found any mistakes, or you would like to add/remove to this obituary, please contact us by email: info@obituary.memorial. We never ask money for this.
