Albert Miller Rockwood's Obituary
Mr. Albert Miller Rockwood, age 86, passed away Monday evening, February 9, 2009, at his home. Albert was born March 1, 1922 to Robert Everett and Helen (Miller) Rockwood in Columbus, OH. He graduated from the Columbus Academy and the Phillips Academy, after which he attended Harvard University, graduating in 1944. While at Harvard, he was a member of the Glee Club and was a photographer for the “Crimson”. Albert then served his country as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy during WWII. After the war, he received his Master’s degree in engineering from Ohio State University. On April 3, 1948, Albert married the former Ellen Harry in Fort Wayne, IN, and she survives him. Al started his career at the Battelle Memorial Institute in Columbus, OH. In 1961, after moving to the Muskegon area, Al worked with Brunswick for many years, and later for the Howmet Corporation, prior to his retirement. Albert then launched Flies for Michigan, a fly tying business he operated for over 21 years. Albert was a founding member of Trout Unlimited of Muskegon, recipient of the 2003 Mr. Trout award; former president of both the Little Sturgeon Trout Club and the Columbus Beach Club. He was also a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, a former Rotarian, and worked for many years with the student exchange program. Albert was a member of Bethany Christian Reformed Church where he had served as both an elder and deacon. Prior to that, Al was a member of First Congregational Church where he served as an elder and deacon and sang in the choir. He also had served as president of the West Shore Symphony Board, and the Child and Family Services Board. Al was a proud and loving husband, father and grandfather and is SURVIVED by his wife of 60 years, Ellen; 7 children, Thomas (Lucy) Rockwood of Winchester, VA, Jonathan (Kathleen) Rockwood of N. Muskegon, Mary (Michael) Barwell of Concord N.H., Susan (Brad Peterson) Rockwood of Stillwater, MN, Martha (Philip) Kashap of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Andrew (Laura Miller) Rockwood of Traverse City, MI and Elizabeth (William) Patterson, of Ross , CA; 17 grandchildren, Sarah R. (Michael Barney), Jonathan, Phoebe, Abigail, Andrea, Peter, John, Matthew, Elizabeth (Gilbert) Corliss, Joseph, Albert, Helen, Philip, George, William , Eleanor, and Graham. Albert was preceded in death by his parents, and several cousins. A MEMORIAL SERVICE will be held 11AM Tuesday, February 17, 2009 at Bethany Christian Reformed Church (1105 Terrace St.) with his pastor, David Sieplinga, officiating. VISITATION will be Monday evening from 5-8PM at
The Sytsema Chapel
Sytsema Funeral Homes, Inc.
737 Apple Ave.
231-726-5210
MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS may be made to Bethany Christian Reformed Church, First Congregational Church (1201 Jefferson St.), Transfiguration Church (P.O. Box 460, Indian River, MI 49749), or Harbor Hospice (1050 W. Western Ave, Suite 400, 49441). Interment will be in Indian River Cemetery. Share memories with the family at their on-line guest book @ www.sytsemafh.com.
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