Harvey E. Furness

1937 - 2018

Harvey E. Furness, 81 of Charlevoix passed away Aug. 5, 2018, at Grandvue Medical Care Facility from complications during his four-year battle with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. "Harv" was born July 31, 1937, in Shabbona, Michigan, to his parents Clifford and Marion (Peterson) Furness. He grew up in Elkton, Michigan, where he graduated high school from Elkton High. He then went on to earn his certificate and served his apprenticeship as a tool and die maker in the automotive industry. He spent his career of 44 years employed by Active Tool and Die, Inc. in Sebewaing, Michigan, where he eventually moved up to the position of Tool & Die/Quality Control Manager. After retirement he absolutely loved working part time for the Landon Family at the Indian River Car Quest. Harvey was an active member and served as trustee of the Alanson United Methodist Church. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed working in his yard and garden with Lois. His true outdoor passion however was hunting and fishing where he learned early on in his childhood from his father and his many uncles who taught him the value of sportsmanship in the outdoors which he then passed on to his three boys. He was also a huge fan of all Detroit teams. He especially loved watching and then complaining about his beloved Tigers. Most importantly was his love for his friends and family for whom he cherished. On Sept. 6, 1958, he married Lois Jean Ackerman, his wife of 60 years who he loved dearly. Also surviving are two sons Christopher (Jane) Furness and Timothy (Michelle) Furness; his sister Lorraine (Furness) Faist; two granddaughters Kayla (Mitch) Coates and the "apple of his eye", Rhianna Jean Furness; two great-granddaughters Sophia and Abigail Coates; and many nieces, nephews and cousins who he always enjoyed visiting and catching up with. Harvey was preceded in death by his parents and his middle son Kevin. A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Monday, Aug. 13, 2018, at the Alanson United Methodist Church in Alanson, Michigan, followed by a luncheon in the fellowship hall. A burial service will be held at the Elkton Cemetery in Elkton, Michigan at 11 a.m. on Monday Aug. 20, 2018, with a luncheon following. Gaylord Community Funeral Home & Cremation Service is handling the arrangements. Please share your memories and personal message with the family at www.gaylordfuneralhome.com