Cameron Kellogg

Cameron B. Kellogg knew that the path to success was paved with hard work. He was a hard worker even from his earliest moments and the man he grew into reflected this fact, as he was an honest, genuinely caring man people were proud to know. Most importantly, however, Cameron loved his family dearly and wanted the best for them.

The early 1920s were a collage of interesting events. There were power struggles in Russia, Babe Ruth was setting records and the first Miss America was crowned. For Hobart and Bernice (Harmelink) Kellogg, formerly of Grand Rapids, Michigan, their lives centered around raising their family and earning a living. Hobart worked as a milk truck driver before starting a career at Bishop Furniture in Grand Rapids. He was later sent to Muskegon, Michigan to open a new showroom for Bishop Furniture Company. It was here that Hobart and his wife happily welcomed the birth of their son, Cameron Bruce, on September 10, 1921, at Hackley Hospital.

Cameron grew up on Forest Avenue in the Muskegon area. His parents would often have open houses at their home to showcase the new and upcoming furniture of the era, along with helpful decorating ideas. Young Cameron was destined to work in the furniture industry and in 1939, he began working at Bishop Furniture, under the tutelage of his father, who taught him everything about the business. However, in 1942, a year after Cameron graduated from Muskegon High School, he received his draft notice from the U.S. Army. Although World War II was in full throttle, Cameron was lucky in the fact that he was stationed stateside.

One fateful day while attending a USO show in Columbia, South Carolina, Cameron met the love of his life, Edythe Young. After a two-month engagement, the couple was happily married on April 3, 1945, and went on a honeymoon, sightseeing throughout the United States in their very first car. Unfortunately, the car did not fair well on their travels because it used excessive amounts of oil. Cameron also took his new bride home to Muskegon to meet his parents and the rest of the family. The newlyweds resided in South Carolina until Cameron's honorable discharge from the service in 1945. They then made their home in Muskegon, living with his parents on their homestead at Scenic Drive near Lake Michigan until 1950. During this time, Cameron went about building their own new home on his parents' property, which was designed by a student of Frank Lloyd Wright as a favor to Hobart Kellogg.

After settling in their home, Cameron and Edythe decided to start a family of their own and soon welcomed the births of two sons, Bruce born on May 12, 1961, and Paul born on March 22, 1965. Time together as a family was always important to Cameron, and many wonderful times were spent taking boat rides on Lake Michigan, picnics at the lake and attending family reunions and holiday gatherings. His sons will also forever remember the endless fun they had in the tree fort their father built for them. Cameron spent his life balancing hard work with the role of a loving father, yet instilled in his sons the importance of responsibility and working hard. Bruce and Paul fondly remember attending many furniture trade show with their dad and working at their grandparents' home or the store.

Upon his return to Muskegon after the war, Cameron worked a brief time at Sears Furniture and interior design. However, he eventually went back to Bishop Furniture Company until 1962. He then put his vast knowledge of the furniture industry to work for him in his newly founded store called Kellogg Furniture and Carpet. Cameron put his heart and soul and sweat of his brow into his company. He was always working and often times stopped by other furniture stores in the area to window shop and pick up new ideas. His wife, Edythe was working as a bookkeeper at Damm Hardware in downtown Muskegon, but in 1969, she became the bookkeeper for the store until it closed in 1998. Cameron had a tenacious work ethic, which coupled with his honesty and integrity, made him an exceptional salesman. Customers valued his genuine interest and pleasant demeanor that he showed them when shopping in the store.

After retiring, Cameron took time to enjoy one of his favorite hobbies - fishing. He was a pretty good fisherman and just loved being out on Lake Michigan catching a few. Unfortunately, he had to give up this hobby in 2003, when his physical health began to wan. Shortly after closing the store, his wife Edythe started showing early signs of dementia and he lovingly devoted his time in caring for her.

Cameron Kellogg's hard work provided him with a full and happy life. Those who knew him will remember his caring personality and his strong work ethic. Cameron was a tireless worker and loved his family deeply with a large and benevolent heart. He will be deeply missed.

Cameron B. Kellogg, age 83 died Saturday, September 3, 2005. He is survived by 2 sons, Cameron "Bruce" Kellogg and Paul William Kellogg, both of North Muskegon; 1 sister, Norma Wade of California; 1 brother in law, Eldon Heaton of Norco, CA; also several nieces and nephews. Along with his wife, Cameron was preceded in death by his parents and sister Nancy Heaton. The Celebration of Life Service for Cameron will be held Wednesday, September 7, 2005 at 10:30 AM from the Heritage Life Story Funeral Home-Achterhoff Chapel with Rev. Clifford Lones officiating. Interment in Greenwood Cemetery, Grand Rapids, MI. Visitation will be Tuesday 2-4 & 7-9 PM. Memorial contributions may be given to the Salvation Army Hurricane Relief Fund. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to share a memory of him, or sign the guest book. Arrangements are by the Heritage Life Story Funeral Home-Achterhoff Chapel, 1751 Peck St., Muskegon, Michigan 49441.