Brian Binns' Obituary
Brian Binns, age 76, left this earth on July 23, 2024. He was predeceased by his parents, Robert and Elizabeth (Roberts) Binns, and his brother, Bruce Binns. Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Norma (Seymour) Binns; their daughter, Rebecca (Jason) Franklin; grandchildren: Travis, Kaya, Caden, and Evangeline Franklin; brothers in-law: Michael Seymour of Whitehall and Bryan (Patricia) Seymour of Caledonia; sister in-law, Amy (David) Phillips of Georgia; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Brian was a 1966 graduate of Whitehall High School. He attended Muskegon Community College, The California College of Respiratory Therapy and Grand Valley State University. He attended many specialty courses throughout his career and taught several classes of CPR and basic first aid.
On August 22, 1970, Brian and the former Norma Seymour married. Seven years later their beautiful daughter came into this world. Rebecca married Jason Franklin and together have 4 children, Travis, Kaya, Caden, and Evangeline. The family lives in Fruitport.
Brian spent his adult life as a health care provider. He began at Muskegon General Hospital as a respiratory therapist and cardiovascular technologist as well as working in the hospital’s stress lab. Along with his full-time job he became a volunteer firefighter for the city of Whitehall and an ambulance attendant. He rose to the rank of Rescue Captain before being hired as WLAS’ first full-time employee as well as its director. Through his efforts WLAS became Michigan’s first volunteer Advanced Life Support Service. This designation allowed trained staff members the authorization to administer life-saving medicines and therapies to critical patients. Brian’s commitment to the citizens of northern Muskegon County was unwavering. Many residents past and present can be grateful for the dedication and care White Lake Ambulance provides through its dedicated and highly trained staff.
A Celebration of Life will take place later this summer. Those wishing to make a memorial contribution can direct their support to the Alzheimer's Association, Michigan Great Lakes Chapter, 2111 University Park Drive, Ste 200, Okemos, Michigan 48864 or White Lake Ambulance Authority, 8220 Whitehall Rd, Whitehall, Michigan 49461. Arrangements by The Sytsema Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 737 E. Apple Ave, Muskegon, MI, 49442.
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