Gary T. Britton's Obituary
Gary Ted Britton passed away peacefully at his home in North Muskegon on September 16, 2024 at the age of 77. Gary will be remembered for his enormous heart, cheerful humor, service to others, and unwavering dedication to his family.
Gary was born and raised in Muskegon to parents Oscar T. Britton and Evelyn F. (Hoffman) Britton, and lived most of his life as a Muskegon County resident. He graduated from Muskegon High School and served four years of active duty in the U.S. Air Force, which included tours in Vietnam and Korea. He returned home, where he married his wife, Janet Lee (Tyler) Britton (deceased 1998). He was a graduate of Michigan State University, where he received his bachelor’s degree, and Wayne State University Law School, where he received his Juris Doctor degree.
Gary’s career as an attorney spanned nearly fifty years in both public service and private practice. After beginning at the Muskegon County Prosecutor’s Office, Gary worked for several local law firms, eventually establishing the firm Britton & Bossenbroek, where he specialized in labor, municipal, and family law. He represented over seventeen Michigan school districts and counties, served as counsel for Muskegon Community College, and was a former president of the Muskegon County Bar Association. In the words of a colleague, “Gary was a legend of the Muskegon County Bar.”
Gary was the happiest when he was using his talents to help others. People always felt comfortable seeking advice from him; they came to Gary because he was a rare breed of attorney who listened more than he spoke and did not pass judgment. Even on the worst of days, he found a way to lighten the mood with his joyful humor. Not even his opposing counsel could stay angry with him for long. Perhaps the most telling character trait of someone with Gary’s accomplishments is that he never sought attention or accolades for his contributions.
Gary built a reputation in the West Michigan legal community not only for being a zealous advocate for his clients, but also giving back through his commitment to the community. Gary’s most important legal legacy was the work he did in helping establish the Muskegon County Veteran’s Treatment Court in 2012. Tellingly, he did so without any compensation at the height of his legal career. His invaluable wisdom, guidance, and representation were instrumental in the program’s success and low recidivism rate. Many of the veterans he represented returned to the Veterans Treatment Court as mentors, which serves as a testament to Gary’s lasting impact in the community. His lifelong dedication to the armed forces included serving on the board of the USS Silversides Submarine Museum, where in 2023, he received the “Hometown Hero” award. He gave his clients—the veterans of Muskegon—hope, and never stopped fighting in the courtroom for a second chance for these members of the military who previously, like Gary, fought for our country.
When not practicing law, Gary enjoyed boating on “Court Time II,” where he met his wife, Cindy. Their favorite vacation places included the British Virgin Islands, Aruba, and Silver Lake. He also enjoyed playing tennis, reading the Wall Street Journal, cheering on MSU and Detroit Lions football, and an occasional martini with two olives. For years, he walked his poodles every morning, often along the Lake Michigan channel. Most recently, he could be found cheerfully watching movies in bed with his grandchildren and attending their music and dance recitals. He was a proud survivor of the loving chaos and noise that his grandchildren surrounded him with. His family was the light of his life, and he took great pride in watching them grow up and sharing in their joy and accomplishments.
SURVIVORS include wife Cindy (Dumas) Britton; son Nicholas (Stephanie Barath) Britton; daughter Stacey (Nathan) Long and grandchildren Colin, Carson, and Bridget; step-sons Jeremy (Lauren Biksacky) Shields, Patrick (Nicole) Shields, and Michael (Kayleigh Cannady) Shields and granddaughter Sadie; brother Ted (Brenda) Britton; and nieces and nephews. Gary was preceded in death by Janet Lee (Tyler) Britton in 1998, parents Oscar T. Britton and Evelyn F. (Hoffman) Britton, and a brother who died in infancy.
SERVICES: A Celebration of Life Open House will be held 2-4 PM Saturday, November 23, 2024 at Gateway Church, 700 Maple Street, Spring Lake, MI 49456. In lieu of flowers, those desiring to make a memorial contribution may do so directly to Wings of Mercy, 100 South Pine St., Suite #393, Zeeland, MI 49464 (www.wingsofmercy.org).
Arrangement handled by The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444. Sign the online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com
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