Dr. Peter Alexander McArthur's Obituary
Dr. Peter A. McArthur, longtime resident of Grand Haven, passed away peacefully Wednesday, July 23rd, 2014 at the age of 89. Dr. McArthur was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather, as well as a respected family practice physician. Born January 31st 1925 in Lakewood, Ohio to Earl and Helene McArthur, Peter grew up in Mariemont, Ohio, with his sister, Millicent. He earned his bachelor’s degree in history at William’s College, graduated from Midshipman’s School at Columbia University, and earned a commission of Lt. J.G. in the United States Naval Reserve. Upon discharge from active duty, he earned his medical degree at New York University Medical School. It was while completing his residency at the University of Michigan that Dr. McArthur met his wife of 59 years, Edna. Together, they moved to Grand Haven, started a family, and opened a medical practice that focused on serving local families, industries, and the U.S. Coast Guard. Each patient was greeted by name by office manager and sister-in-law Dorothy, as well as Edna. “Dr. Pete” took time to listen to each patient, not just about health matters, but also about children, gardens, worries, and interests. Dr. Pete treated the whole patient. Peter, Edna, and Dorothy fondly remembered each patient long after they had closed the practice. Throughout his practice and into his retirement, Dr. McArthur was a lover of history and a naturalist who quietly studied all the local birds and wildflowers, documenting his findings in meticulous photographs. Dr. McArthur served the community through many years with the Ottawa County Mental Health Society. He was also a lifelong and highly active member of the Boy Scouts of America, where he attained the rank of Eagle Scout as a young man, served as a commissioner with the Grand Valley Council, and was honored with membership in The Order of the Arrow, Scouting’s National Honor Society. Long after his own sons had grown, Dr. McArthur continued to enjoy regular trips with the Scouts to Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico. Dr. McArthur was also a faithful member of the First Presbyterian Church of Grand Haven, where he and Edna made many lifelong friends. Family and friends alike remember Dr. McArthur as a deeply thoughtful and humble person with an insatiable curiosity about the world around him, but also as a man with a ready smile and a true appreciation of the humorous aspects of life.
Dr. McArthur’s wife Edna preceded him in passing January 6th of this year, along with his youngest son James, in 2010. Dr. McArthur is survived by his sister Millicent and her husband Dick Wallin of Rochester, Michigan; sister-in-law Dorothy Scott of Grand Haven; two sons: Peter, Jr. and wife Jennifer, of Los Angeles, Andrew and wife Vanessa, of Salem, Virginia; daughter-in-law Michelle McArthur of Holland; and seven grandchildren: Peter III, Patrick, Aidan, Jordan and wife Katy, Amy, William, and John McArthur.
Private family services will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Grand Haven. Please 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.
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