Charles Furman Obituary

FURMAN: Charles Roy Furman passed from this life to the next on May 16, 2014, at Faith Hospice's Trillium Woods facility in Byron Center, MI with family at his side. He was born on March 12, 1941 in Jamestown, NY. The younger son of Bert and Mildred (Shumaker) Furman, Chuck and his older brother, Bill, grew up in Western New York State. He graduated from Jamestown High School in 1959. While at the College of Wooster in Ohio, he met the love of his life, Judy Nowlin of Greensburg, PA. The two married on July 10, 1965. Chuck graduated from Wooster in 1963 with a Bachelors Degree in speech. He then graduated from Penn State University with a Masters Degree in Broadcast Journalism in 1966. After a year at WPSX-TV, he worked at WBGU-TV in Bowling Green, OH. His first son, David, was born there in 1970. He was then offered the position of Program Director at the newly created Public Broadcasting station WGVC later to become WGVU at Grand Valley State (then College) in Allendale, MI. The family moved to Grandville, MI and second son, Daniel, was born in 1972. Chuck was always devoted and supportive of community. He was the Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 292 in Grandville for seven years while both of his sons earned their Eagle Scout awards. He was an inspiration to many young men in the Scouting program with his wisdom, love, and laughter. He loved his church, First (Park) Congregational United Church of Christ in Grand Rapids. He was a leader there where he was highly respected and where he enjoyed volunteering as well as attending adult Christian Education and Bible studies. He was inspired by progressive sermons and dynamic worship. Chuck was also highly respected at work for his caring personality, commitment to his profession, and innovative ideas such as initiating televising the Christmas Vespers program at Hope College in Holland, MI. Many remember him for his on-air talent for decades being present in people's homes during pledge drives and auctions for WGVU Channel 35. In 2006, he was honored by being inducted into the Michigan Association of Broadcasters' Hall of Fame. In the mid-1990's, Chuck began experiencing signs of depression. Over the course of the next several years, he would have severe bouts that silenced his wonderful wit and incapacitated him from his usual activities. He was able to bounce back; retiring in 2005 after 33 years of service to Grand Valley State University. With what he saw as his way to recovery: prayer, exercise, medication, and supportive family and friends, Chuck was able to enjoy retirement with family trips to Hawaii, Alaska, Southwest U.S., as well as the Holy Lands and a cruise through the Panama Canal. He also enjoyed playing numerous golf courses with family and friends, as well as family game nights as often as possible. In late December of 2013, depression returned. Long since having given up looking for reasons why, he and the family worked with several medical teams to try to lift the depression, but this time, none of the usual steps worked. In mid-April, he moved to Trillium Woods where the emphasis of his care became comfort. His smile, laughter, wisdom, and love will be sorely missed. Chuck is survived by Judy, his wife of nearly 49 years; his brother, Bill (Savannah), of Webster Groves, MO; his son, David (Amy) and grandsons, Andrew and Michael; his son, Dan, all of Grandville, and numerous beloved cousins. Chuck's family is grateful for the loving and faithful care of his doctors over the years and for the care of the staff and volunteers at Holland Hospital and at Trillium Woods. Visitation will be on Friday, May 23 at First (Park) Congregational UCC at 10 E. Park Place Grand Rapids, from 6-9 PM. Chuck's Celebration of Life will be at Park Church on Saturday, May 24, 2014 at 11 AM. Memorial donations may be directed to First (Park) Congregational UCC. The family is being served by:

Published by Grand Rapids Press from May 17 to May 18, 2014.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Charles Furman

Not sure what to say?





I knew Chuck while I was a student at Grand Valley. He was a bright,kind and patient leader at ch 35, respected by all. I look forward to seeing him in Heaven.

Dan Seif

October 16, 2014

May 25, 2014

Mr. Furman was a kind and gentle man full of good humor. He always treated Cathy & me very well. our sympathy and prayers go out to Mrs. Judy Furman, David & Amy, and the entire Furman family.

Michael Acuna

May 24, 2014

Remembering a great man who touched the lives of so many by simply caring. The legacy of Chuck Furman lives on not only in his family but in all the lives he touched. He was a brave man and I'm grateful he was my friend. Sending condolences to the family he loved so much.

Sherry Bouwman

May 24, 2014

Judy, I am so sorry to hear of Chuck's passing. I worked with him at WGVU for many years and a nicer, more caring person would be hard to find. It was a privilege to know him. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Georgia Dreyer

May 22, 2014

Uncle Chuck You gave me counsel when I needed the most, gentle, thoughtful, kind---just like you were. You are already missed. With respect and admiration. David and Gina Moore, Wyoming MI

David Moore

May 22, 2014

I worked with Chuck at WGVU some years ago and it was a
pleasure and an honor to know him. He was a kind, gentle and supportive person; a great role model for the rest of us.
Rest in peace, my friend. My prayers go out to the family he loved so much.

Jan McKinnon

May 21, 2014

my prays go out to the family of Charles furman he a nice person to he will be miss to

denise zalsman

May 21, 2014

Judy - So sorry to hear about your loss. Know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Jim Kerbel

May 20, 2014

I remember Chuck from watching the NEW public tv station back in the '70s. He was so cheerful and upbeat. And then I had the honor of meeting him in 1986 when I worked at GVSU. His son was a good friend of my son in high school. Chuck will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him.

Rhoda Banta

May 20, 2014

My sympathy to the entire Furman family. I knew Mr. Furman through Scouting. Had some good memories from that. He was a always a good example to the Scouts and exmplifed the Scout Law. I also remember his similing face on GVSU

Rich Gibson

May 19, 2014

Judy, my deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family. The world was a better place because of Chuck. Peace be with all of you.

Mary Moore

May 19, 2014

Judy,

I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. My prayers are with you.

Carol Price, Salt Lake City

May 19, 2014

I met one of your sons briefly and by chance at Trillium Woods and was struck by his offer to pray for my mom even as his heart was surely heavy with your journey - testimony which is likely not surprising, but that I believe his family would be proud to hear. Thanks for the random act of kindness. - Mae's daughter :)

Connie

May 19, 2014

Farewell to a good and decent man. Rest in comfort and peace in your Heavenly home.

Carl and Karen Shook

May 19, 2014

I worked with Chuck many years ago at West Michigan Public Broadcasting. He set a great example to (at the time) us younger employees - how to be empathic, dedicated, and a great manager. People followed his lead. He made us better employees and people. We'll never forget you, Uncle Chuck.

Kim Sapkowski

May 19, 2014

We send sympathy to your family and prayers for peace for Chuck. Remember our great trip to Branson. Lois & Frank Duiven

Frank & Lois Duiven

May 19, 2014

I went to Jamestown High School with Charles (he liked to be called "Squidge"). Along with Chuck Irwin, we were the three Charleses. An invincible band, all interested in hi-fi and other tech. I remember hours at our houses listening to the latest high fidelity records and discussing the virtue of different brands of components. Stereo was just being introduced, and threatened to wipe out our allowances. 
We set up our hi-fi equipment for a record hop in the high school gym, playing uninterrupted dance music for our peers. We also handled the school PA system, running morning announcements. We also produced a half-hour high school radio program, which played alternately on the two local radio stations.
Charles and I and another guy all went to the Canadian National Exposition. A great adventure and a lot of fun. 
We kept sporadically in touch over the years. I'm glad his humor, his talent, and his humanity were recognized and appreciated. I will miss him and have warm memories of him.

Charles Pitts

May 18, 2014

Chuck was the kindest, sweetest man I've ever known. I was fortunate to have him as a boss at TV35, and friend, since 1972. My heart is heavy with this loss. My thoughts are with Judy and his boys. Gone way too soon.

Pam Bunnell Jennings

May 18, 2014

Judy, Dan and family. I am holding all of you in my prayers. Hoping that you will have the opportunity to share many happy memories among the grief and tears.

Rev Cheryl Burke

May 18, 2014

Jimmy and I will miss Chuck greatly. He was a wonderful coworker, and a genuinely nice guy. They don't make them like Chuck anymore. Our most loving thoughts and condolences to Judy.

Eileen and Jimmy Duty

May 18, 2014

What a very fine man, who will be missed by so many. Thank you Mr. Furman for all you have so generously brought to us all. Ill not forget you.

Ptolemy Adams

May 18, 2014

So very saddened to learn of Chuck's passing. Sincere sympathies to Judy, Dan and the rest of the family. Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Giles Light

May 18, 2014

Judy, Dan, and the entire family, I am so very sorry to hear of Chuck's passing. Too soon. I am glad that there have been some good years in the recent past. And, each of you has amazing faith that will carry you through this.

Marylee McGregor

May 18, 2014

Chuck is an example to us all. What a fine legacy he has left behind. He was my Big Bird.

Steve Horowitz

May 18, 2014

I was blessed to be able to spend time with the Furman family as a teenager and adult. I'll never forget the times when Mr. Furman, David, and Dan were together. They were so funny. We never stopped laughing. He leaves a special legacy in his children and grandchildren. I will miss him.

Wendy Winston

May 18, 2014

Ron and Lois Carpenter send the Family of Chuck our most sincere condolences. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with all of you now and in the future! So sorry for your loss.

Lois and Ron Carpenter

May 18, 2014

I light a candle today in memory of the light lost with Chuck's passing. As a volunteer during WGVU/WGVK television auctions, it was my pleasure to get to know this wonderful human being. Please know that many prayers are being offered for your peace and comfort during this time.

Cynthia Caldwell

May 18, 2014

I knew Chuck more from Boy Scouts than television, though I remember the wonderful WGVU auctions when TV talent from other stations would help announce the auction. I still use the set of clubs I bought off the auction around 1979. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.

Bill Steffen

May 18, 2014

To a great friend, you will be missed. Working with you for 10 years showed me what a man of honor, respect and integrity. We will all miss you.

David Fant

May 17, 2014

I've never known anyone like Chuck. He never got angry, never judged, and always let me and everyone else be who we were. He was a man with a heart of gold which was filled with love, laughter, respect, gentle kindness, a great sense of humor and an incredible wit which carried to the incredible family that he raised with Judy. It was truly an honor to know him and I am blessed to have 30+ years of incredible memories with him and his family. The world has truly lost an incredible person.

Eric Czarnopys

May 17, 2014

"Well done, thou good and faithful servant." Chuck was the most supportive, giving and forgiving person I knew. Pax vobicum to a wonderful brother-in-law.

Marcie Nowlin Woods

May 17, 2014

Showing 1 - 32 of 32 results

Make a Donation
in Charles Furman's name

Memorial Events
for Charles Furman

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Metcalf & Jonkhoff Funeral Service

4291 Cascade Road SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546

How to support Charles's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Charles Furman's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more