Albert Whitford duChemin Jr.

Albert Whitford duChemin, Jr., affectionately known as the 'MudDog' or 'Mr. Croton' passed away peacefully at his home in Croton, Michigan, on May 16, 2024 and walked into the arms of his Savior at the age of 90. Al was born on March 18, 1934, in Fremont, Michigan. He was the third child born to the late Albert and Esther (Cromack) duChemin and was preceded in death by his siblings Ed, John, and Edna.
Al graduated from Newaygo High School in 1952 and began a fulfilling career as a builder. In 1955, he married his high school sweetheart, Nancy Crandall. They spent the next 69 years together, sharing in all the challenges and rewards life would bring. Their early years were spent trying to survive raising three boys: David, Duane (Sheri), and Dean (Bethanie), which provided many memorable stories to share with their four grandchildren-Logan, Dana, Daniella, and Jaxon, and their two great-grandchildren, Brayden and Albert. Al found great joy in not only watching this next generation of his family grow but in being present and active in their many activities. His final days here were spent laughing with them as they sat around his bed, reminiscing with him about the memories and mischief they had all shared.
Throughout his rewarding life, Al served his community with unwavering dedication. His legacy is marked by an impressive 69-year tenure as a firefighter, safeguarding his neighbors. Beyond his work on the fire department which included multiple years as Fire Chief, he served two terms as Croton Township Supervisor, advocating for his community. Al was a faithful steward to the Lord. He was a founding member of Grace Bible Church in Newaygo where he served the Lord with gladness as a trustee and made sure the building was properly maintained. The phrase, "We better call Al", has been spoken an unspecified number of times over the past seven decades and he eagerly came to the rescue.
Al was a cherished member of the Croton Township community, where he spent his entire life. When Al wasn't working on old cars, doing a project, fighting fires or watching Newaygo sporting events, he could be found sitting in front of his barn, waving to the many passersby who honked a 'hello' as they drove past or drinking coffee and talking about everything from old cars to the Tigers with whoever pulled up to the barn to sit for a spell.
Al's lifelong impact on the community is honored by a park bearing his name and the Croton Township Fire Barn being dedicated to him, his brother, Ed, and their families - a testament to his unwavering influence. A beacon of hard work and kindness, he imparted invaluable lessons of service and diligence to his family. Al was deeply devoted to his roles as husband, father, grandfather, and friend.
While his presence will be deeply missed, his spirit will continue to inspire all who knew him, living on through his cherished family. He undoubtedly entered Heaven with his iconic "Well, hi there!" and was greeted back with "Well done my good and faithful servant."
We cannot thank the services of Harbor Hospice enough. Nurses Nick, Dawn, Cindy and Mary, Aide Kelly, and Social Worker Britney are special people who actively live the vision of hospice with their care, kindness, and gentleness.
Al's family invites you to join them for a Celebration of Life on Thursday, June 13th, 2024 at 2:00pm at Newaygo High School, 200 East St, Newaygo, MI 49337. Gathering and visitation with the family will take place from 1:00pm-2:00pm. In honor of Al's love of coffee, sweets, and conversing with friends, there will be a dessert reception immediately following the service.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Grace Bible Church 200 Mill Street, Newaygo, MI 49337 or Croton Fire Department 6431 Elm Ave., Newaygo, MI 49337.
2 Corinthians 5:1 - "Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands."