Mr. Harold W. McDermed Jr.'s Obituary
On Friday, November, 20, 2020, Harold W. McDermed, loving husband and father of five children, passed away at the age of 72. Harold was born on September 15, 1948 in Muskegon, MI to Frances May (Ervin) McDermed and Harold Walter McDermed. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frances and Harold McDermed, his daughter Lisa McDermed Wallace, and his sister Cheryl Ann Jewett.
On April 17, 1982 he married Marian Mogdis, the love of his life, and together they raised five children and one granddaughter.
Whether you knew him as Harold, or as Beaver, everyone knew him as a special person with a warm heart. His super power was making a person feel special. In his eyes, you were. Harold shared something special with each of his children and grandchildren…hockey, football, fishing, or even just sitting and listening. A proud 1966 graduate of Muskegon High School, and the holder of top row Big Red football seats, he never missed a game. He was a mentor to Little Brother Shavondrick Jackson for over 20 years and was very proud of the man he grew into. Harold was also a Vietnam era Navy veteran.
He spent many early years as a UAW Union President, (local 1071) advocating for employees. He spent many years working for the Michigan State University Extension Office in Ottawa County, accomplishing much, including a youth mentoring program. For the last several years, well past retirement age, Harold was a Staff Guide at the Hackley & Hume Historic Site – Lakeshore Museum Center. He was a lifelong believer in the contributions of Charles Hackley and proudly shared information with tourists visiting the sites, his strong voice keeping everyone interested in Muskegon history. A true labor of love.
Harold is survived by his wife Marian, son Shawn McDermed (Jill), son Kevin McDermed, son Cory McDermed, son Ryan McDermed and granddaughter Brittney Rusco Phelps (Corey.) He is also survived by brother Ronald McDermed (Irene), sister Janice Mulford (Pete) and brother James McDermed. He is survived by eight grandchildren, Brittney, Breanna, Xavier, Killian, James, Dana, Liam, and Nola - and three great grandchildren, Owen, Avery and Lillyanna. There are many nieces and nephews who all held a special place in his heart.
The family plans to have an Irish wake this summer. Arrangements by The Lee Chapel, 6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444.
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