Edward Frank Bares' Obituary
Edward Frank Bares, almost 100 years old, of Grand Haven passed away Saturday, December 14, 2013. He was born January 5, 1914, in Grand Haven to Frank and Marie (Svoboda) Bares, and he married Vera Keely on November 16, 1946 in Oak Park, IL. She preceded him in death on December 13, 2003.
His family moved to Grand Rapids after he was born, and then he returned to Grand Haven in 1924, where at the age of 10, he helped his dad build their home. Edward’s affinity for building/tinkering extended to all things mechanical, electronic, and anything he could crack open with a screwdriver and a pair of pliers. He built one of the first radios in Grand Haven, and went on to assemble them for Story and Clark after graduating from Grand Haven High School in 1932. He worked at Grand Haven Brass Foundry assembling beer faucets, and then swapped out his tool set for a drafting board when he took his first engineering job at Bastian Blessing.
In 1943, at the age of 29, Edward enlisted in the US Army where, among other things, he specialized in the assembly and repair of radio-controlled airplanes. After the war, he returned to Grand Haven, married Vera, built his house in the woods, and took a job at Welded Products as their Chief Engineer. Living near the airport, it was only natural that he caught the aviation bug, and he learned to fly. He was the Charter President of the Grand Haven Aviation Club.
He was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Grand Haven, Toastmasters International, Jaycees, Boy Scouts of America, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, and the American Legion Charles A. Conklin Post #28. By the age of 74, he had “retired” 3 times, before assisting at his son’s engineering firm for some 24 years designing equipment for offshore drilling platforms! His spirit of volunteerism extended to offering up his engineering expertise and technical know-how installing Lifelines and, later, at International Aid. He was given the North Ottawa County Older American of the Year Award, the State of Michigan Senior Citizen of the Year Award, and was honored for his volunteer work at “Night of 100 Stars”.
Edward is best remembered for his sense of humor, his selflessness, and his spirit. He loved the outdoors, whether it was cutting and splitting logs, gardening, hiking, or riding his “pink” moped. He was equally supportive of the arts; attending concerts and plays, playing the trumpet, and loved drawing and sketching.
Edward is lovingly remembered by his daughter, Janice (Roger) White of Spring Lake; son, Earle (Cindy) Bares of Grand Haven; four grandchildren, Jennifer (Matt Essenburg) Bares, Nicholas White, Molly White, Stephanie (James) Greydanus, and his special exchange student/”daughter”, Keiko Moriguchi Kvammen. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Mamie Kross and Gladys Borvansky.
A Celebration of Edward’s life and memorial service will be held at First Presbyterian Church in Grand Haven on Monday, December 23, 2013, at 11:00 AM with Rev. Dr. Thomas Cook officiating. Military rites will be accorded him by the American Legion Charles A. Conklin Post #28. Friends may meet with the family and celebrate Ed’s life after the service. Donations in memory of Edward to Hospice of North Ottawa Community, Pedaling for Parkinson’s, or Harbor Humane Society would be appreciated. Share memories with the family at their online guest book at www.vbkfuneralhome.com.
The family is being served by VanZantwick Bartels Kammeraad Funeral home of Grand Haven.
What’s your fondest memory of Edward?
What’s a lesson you learned from Edward?
Share a story where Edward's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Edward you’ll never forget.
How did Edward make you smile?