Charles Sweedyk

It has been said that there is nothing in the world so much like prayer as music. No one understood this better than Charles Sweedyk. His life was grounded in a strong and fulfilling faith, brightened by the music he loved. A courageous soldier, loving husband, caring father, and faithful servant, he was always willing to lend a hand where ever needed.

The year 1918 brought many changes to our country. While World War I was drawing to a close in Europe, people here in the United States were enjoying a new interest in music, with one of the most popular songs being "I'm Always Chasing Rainbows". In Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 1918, Cornelius and Mary (Mead) Sweedyk were busy chasing their young son John and anxiously awaiting the birth of their second child. Charles Eli arrived on September 7, 1918, and was later joined by younger brother Nelson. Mary's "chasing days" were now in full swing.

Charles and his brothers grew up in the family home on 1033 Front Street, on the banks of the Grand River. Three boys together can usually mean only one thing - mischief - and Charles and his brothers had no trouble getting into their share. The river was a favorite place to play on a warm day and the boys made spending money by diving for clamshells, which they then sold to a button factory. Charles often told of walking the railroad tracks all the way to his cousin's in Sparta - a distance of almost 16 miles. Fortunately for Charles, his visits usually lasted a few days. But mischief was not all Charles was interested in. He became an ardent Boy Scout, going on to attain the level of Eagle Scout, and later becoming a Scout Master.

After graduating from Union High School, Charles soon found a job with Haskelite Manufacturing. Charles remained with the company for over 40 years, seeing it change its name to Evans Tempcom. During those 40 years, he worked as a veneer pressman, but spent most of his time in shipping and receiving.

When World War II came onto the horizon, Charles, like many young men of his time, joined the Army. The young soldier served more than three years in the Signal Corp, as a radio operator, and was proud of the fact that he still knew how to type Morse Code. Discharged in 1945, the joy of Charles' homecoming was tempered by the death of his younger brother, Nelson, killed during the War.

Returning to Grand Rapids, he again began working for Haskelite, where he met a young lady named Louise Bart. Charles was quite taken by this young beauty and asked her to go boating with him on Reeds Lake. The feeling was mutual, and one year later, the two were married at Bethany Reformed Church, on May 2, 1952. The newlyweds lived for a brief time on Adams Street before they moved into their new home on Westview, a home that Charles had helped to build. This would remain his home for the rest of his days.

Over the next nine years, Charles and Louise were blessed with six wonderful children - sons Ronald, Richard, Robert and Roger, and daughters Cathy and Karen. One of their favorite memories of their father is accompanying him to work on Saturdays. Once there, they were treated to a pop out of the pop machine and rides on the hi-lo. With a big family, and wanting to save money, Charles "attempted" to cut the boys hair. According to them, this was not one of his better talents. Summer vacations were usually spent at a rented cottage on Big Star Lake. They started going for one week but the good times soon extended to two weeks. An avid Tigers fan, Charles loved to listen to their games on the radio, but a bigger treat was taking the boys right to the game. Along with the fun, Charles also expected his children to help out around the house. He would start mowing the lawn, but if one of the boys didn't finish it, they all got an earful.

Although Charles was busy with his own family, he and his brother John always had time for their mother. A family tradition was the Friday visit to his mother's, where all the family could get together and enjoy each other's company. This instilled in his own children the importance of family.

Having been brought up near water, Charles loved to fish, and had several different boats over the years as his transportation. He started out with a small boat - what family finances could afford - then moved up to a speedboat that he could use for both fishing and pulling the kids water skiing. His final vessel - Charlie's Pride - was a boat worthy of salmon fishing on the waters of Lake Michigan.

Along with a love of family, faith was the cornerstone of Charles' life. As a child, he and his family were members of 1st Presbyterian Church. Charles continued worshipping there until he got married. Then he and Louise became members of Bethany Reformed, before returning to 1st Presbyterian. When 1st Presbyterian closed its doors, Charles became a member of Richmond Reformed Church. Charles was always involved in his church, no matter where he was. He served as an elder and a deacon, but perhaps his greatest servanthood was through music. He served as choir director for both children and adult choirs, and often blessed the services by singing in the choir himself, and singing solos. He was most proud of the fact that he had been able to pass his love of music on to his children.

Charles' life took a tragic turn in 1978 when his beloved Louise died of a stroke. With the two youngest children still in high school, Charles had to become both father and mother. He soon learned to do the household tasks that Louise had done, but still expected the kids to help out. The house was always neat and orderly, with everything in its place.

When Charles retired, it didn't mean he stopped working. It just meant he turned his talents to other areas. He loved to garden and with his green thumb, produced wonderful flowers, vegetables and fruits. He could now spend his time woodworking - remodeling his kitchen - and oil painting. He became actively involved with His Hands, an organization whose goal is "To be the hands of Jesus showing compassion and love to the poor and needy, leading them to the Lord and His free gift of salvation." With this group, Charles made several trips to Mexico. As his involvement and commitment grew, Charles began driving to Mexico, taking his tools and often spending the winter there, helping others. He continued to make the trips into his 80's.

However, Charles' health began to fail, but up to a few weeks ago, he was able to stay at home. As he had cared for his mother, so his children surrounded him with love and tender care, which allowed him to stay in his home and then move in with one of them for the last few months.

Charles was a generous man, who led by example. His faith was one of action - not telling others how to live, but showing them. Putting the needy before himself, Charles was kind-hearted and blessed with a wonderful sense of humor, which seemed to blossom as he got older. Many lives have been bettered because of Charles Sweedyk.

Mr. Charles Sweedyk, age 88 of Grand Rapids passed away April 12, 2007. Charles was preceded in death by his wife, Louise, his brothers John and Nelson, and his son-in-law Garry Growe. He is survived by his children Ronald and Robin Sweedyk, Cathy Growe and friend Kenn Andrus, Karen and David Bosscher, Richard and Joanne Sweedyk, Robert and Kim Sweedyk, Roger and Rosemary Sweedyk; 19 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren as well as nieces, nephews and friends including his longtime friend, Danny Kwee. A funeral service will be held on Monday at 11 AM at Richmond Reformed Church with Rev. Gerald VanderVelde officiating. Interment in Greenwood Cemetery. Relatives and friends are invited to meet with his family at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home - Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Drive NW on Saturday from 7-9 PM and on Sunday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM. For those who wish, memorial contributions to Hospice of Michigan are appreciated. You may share a favorite photo or memory, or sign the online register by visiting www.lifestorynet.com.