Lee Virgil Kemp's Obituary
Mr. Lee Virgil Kemp, age 75, formerly of Muskegon, passed away Tuesday, February 2, 2021 following a 7-year battle with Parkinson’s Disease. He was born in Muskegon on December 24, 1945 to Virgil and Beatrice (Thebo) Kemp. Lee was a veteran of the United States Air Force and served in the Vietnam War from 1963-1965. He was stationed in Hawaii and flew missions to the Philippines and Vietnam. Lee had worked for CWC Textron and Ajax Imaging prior to his retirement in 2007. At the age of 45, Lee went back to school and earned his degree in Applied Sciences. He was an avid hunter and enjoyed golfing and bowling. Lee spent many years in leagues at Hickory Knoll Golf Course and Northway Lanes. In July of 1982, Lee was set up, by his friend and family, on a blind date with Cindy Ann Sonderhouse. They instantly had a connection and were married later that year on December 10, 1982. Lee and Cindy enjoyed being outdoors and especially enjoyed camping. They were members of the National Campers and Hikers Association and would spend every other weekend traveling around Michigan with fellow campers and friends. Their most memorable trips were made to their favorite locations in the Upper Peninsula. Lee was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 2014. Cindy, who is a Registered Nurse, retired from her job to be his full-time caregiver. Together, they were members of the Parkinson’s Power Support Group through Generation Care, and they both benefited greatly from this group. Lee is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Cindy; sister, MaryAnn Garvey; half-siblings, Marie Pickard-Thompson and James (Deb) Brown; sister-in-law, Linda Kemp; nieces and nephews, Darake and Jen Pickard, Dawn and Jerry Luczyk, Dean and Deborah Kemp, Stacy and Eric Mellema, Clyde Garvey, Dale Garvey, Gale and Dean Millar and their families; Dear extended family, Richard and Diana Portell and their children, Melanie and Warren Bates, Melissa and Jim Borowski, Jeremy and Melissa Portell, Melinda and Tom Pierce and their families; and his beloved dog, Shylo. He was preceded in death by his parents; twin-brother, Len Kemp; brothers, Bruce and John Kemp; and brothers-in-law, Joe Pickard, Fred Thompson, and Gayle Garvey. Due to Covid-19 and concerns with social distancing, a Celebration of Lee’s Life will be announced at a later date (Spring/Summer of 2021). MEMORIALS in his memory may be directed to American Diabetes Association or Michigan Parkinson’s Foundation Respite Care Program. Arrangements by The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444. You may sign his online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com
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