Curtis Gerald "Curt" Whiting

Curtis Gerald "Curt" Whiting, age 78, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024. He lived in Spring Lake for more than 45 years and spent his winters in Punta Gorda, Florida. Curt was born Jan. 10, 1946, in Muskegon, Michigan, to Gerald and Dorothy (Beaman) Whiting.

He graduated from Grand Haven High School in 1964 and went on to Ferris State College of Business, graduating in 1969, and was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon, where he made lifelong friends. On July 12, 1997, he married Terese (Terri) Crowe.

Curt valued serving his community. He was a devoted board member for the Children's Advocacy Center for 20 years and led its golf outing for 25 years. He sat on the boards for North Bank Foundation and West Shore Symphony. He was a youth group leader at Grand Haven's First Presbyterian Church and served on the Grand Haven Ski Bowl committee. He was also a member of the bike path connector committee for Spring Lake Township and the City of Ferrysburg.

Along with his wife and siblings, he started two separate foundations that provide financial assistance to ensure more children are able to attend college. These foundations are still an active part of the community.

Curt brought joy to everyone around him. He loved to spend time with his friends and family, challenging them to euchre or taking them on his boat to waterski, tube or watch the sunset. Sailing was another passion. He was a member of the Spring Lake Yacht club and participated in the Queen's Cup race for many years.

Well traveled, he enjoyed trips across the world including Spain, Italy, Greece, and Portugal. He loved skiing and taught his children how to ski. He was also an avid golfer and loved watching sports with his son Brody.

Curt made beautiful stained glass windows and was a skilled woodworker. He crafted various household items, including a dollhouse which was a replica of the family home. The dollhouse was featured in the local newspaper as well as a dollhouse exhibit.

Providing for his family was very important to Curt. His position as vice president at Nichols Paper and Supply Company and his subsequent high executive sales positions allowed him to reach his dream.

Above all, Curt loved his family. He enjoyed sharing a laugh with them and was their biggest cheerleader. He will be dearly missed by his wife, Terri; children, Rachel Whiting (grandchildren Morgan, Evan), Sarah Whiting (grandchildren Crystal, Tyler, Eve), Jared (Nicole) Crowe (grandchildren Jacob, Madison, Ella), and Brody Whiting; brother, David (Mary) Whiting; sisters, Kathie (Joe) Bolthouse and Judy (Rick) Tompke; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on March 11, 2024, at First Presbyterian Church (508 Franklin Ave., Grand Haven, MI 49417) with visitation one hour prior at the church.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Harbor Hospice Foundation or the Curt & Terri Whiting Family Fund set up through the Grand Haven Community Foundation.

Arrangements entrusted to The VanZantwick Chapel (620 Washington Ave., Grand Haven, MI 49417). To share special memories with the family, please visit www.sytsemafh.com.