Paul Schuur

Paul Junior Schuur was born on December 19, 1941, to Paul and Helen Schuur. His dad was the owner of Grand Rapids Mattress on Scribner and later took on a partner Ken Welch and renamed it Crown Bedding (which was located where the Ford Museum stands today). His mother Helen was a seamstress. He was their only child and was doted on from day one. Paul spent much of his youth with his extended family. His dad was the 4th youngest of 12 children so there was never a shortage of playmates. He was especially close to his Uncle Abe and Aunt Fran’s children-Gaylord, Wayne, Donna and Gary. They spent their youth exploring, camping together and playing games as kids are want to do. They remained close throughout their entire lives. They golfed together, stood up in one another’s weddings, and were an integral part of one another’s lives. They were known as ‘uncle’ and ‘aunt’ to Heather and Darrell. Paul was also close to his mother’s sister, Caroline’s children Robert and Roy Jebb.

Paul loved his dogs, especially Duke who went everywhere with him! Paul was adventurous growing up. He played basketball, rode bikes at time on the back of his friend’s bike—which landed him head over handlebars on the asphalt and missing his two front teeth. Paul attended Fairview Elementary and Union High School and attended Fairview Reformed Church growing up. Paul loved snowmobiling, cars, hockey, Fricano’s pizza, traveling and family. In his twenties, Paul traveled to the Virgin Islands with Les Rodenhouse(a friend from Evan’s Tempcon) and John, who worked at FOC, the places they saw were unlike anything he had experienced before! They flew into Puerto Rico and took a boat into the islands. They saw St Croix, St Thomas and St John’s. They stayed at a hotel with the ocean coming in under it, took a Jeep into the Jungle and so much more. Paul also traveled to Costa Rica with Les where they stayed in a motel on the beach. In 1964 he went to North Carolina to a heavy equipment school. He made many trips to Florida with his mom and aunts.

Paul lost his father when he was only 26 years old and took on the added responsibility of helping his mother with all of the household chores and other needs. He traveled with her and his aunts many times to Florida to enjoy some sunshine (and maybe some swimsuit clad younger women as well). However, Paul met the love of his life, Patricia VanSchaik, through one of his cousins, Barb Lankamp. Patricia was a beautician at Mary Kay’s Beauty salon on Alpine at the time and Paul had heard many good things about her, so he thought he would just stop in and ‘sneak a peek.’ His plan backfired as Patricia was working as the front desk receptionist that day! The two began dating and spent time together at Berlin Raceway, Muskegon Hockey games, and Fricano’s Pizza in Grand Haven. The two were meant to be together and were married on May 18,1973 at Berean Bible Church. The newlyweds spent their honeymoon in Hawaii where they met Harry and Carol Mullins, a couple who would become lifelong friends. They spent time touring the islands together and made trips to one another’s homes throughout their lives and kept in touch through lengthy phone calls until just recently.

Paul and Pat welcomed their first child, Heather into their hearts and home on Paul’s 33rd birthday, what a gift! The shared birthday was a special bond between the two. They would always make time to celebrate their birthday’s together, even spending it together last year in the hospital. Paul was a child at heart and enjoyed playing with Heather and teaching her how to swing, swim, ride a bike and so much more. Three years later, their family grew with the addition of their son, Darrell. As with father’s and son’s there is a special bond.

The family enjoyed playing baseball and basketball together, traveling to Tennessee, Florida, New York, Canada, Kings Island, Great America and Cedar Point

Paul was a hard worker. He started at Evans Tempcon on August 11, 1964, as a high low driver but spent most of his career there as a die setter. He especially enjoyed the comradery with Lester Rodenhouse and Johnny Harris. He enjoyed the company picnics and dances, and even took Heather as his date when Pat wasn’t feeling well enough to attend. He continued to work there until he was 71 years old to ensure Pat would have health care and the medication and treatments she needed. He finally retired December 27, 2012, after 48 years of dedicated service to the company.

Paul was a true caregiver. He not only took care of his mother, but he also cared for Patricia as her health declined and helped care for his cousin Marcia as well. He lived for Patricia and did everything in his power to make her comfortable and happy. During all of their health trials, Paul never lost his sense of humor and he had a smile that could light up any room!

Paul Junior Schuur, age 82 of Grand Rapids went to be with the Lord on Wednesday June 5, 2024. He was proceeded in death by his beloved wife of 50 years Patricia Schuur in January of this year, his parents Paul and Helen Schuur, grandparents Garrett and Neeltje (Nellie) Schuur and Luman and Carrie Eastway. He is survived by his children Heather (Brian) Bacon, Darrell (Carrie) Schuur and grandchildren Zachary, Kolton, and Brianna Bacon. His sister and brother- in- law, Sally and Carl Lock, niece Lucinda Pant, nephew Brian Lock and their children Mason, McKenna, Maverick, Payton, Kyle and Paige.

Paul loved spending time with his family: playing and coaching baseball with his children, golfing with his cousins and friends, building race cars for Awana with his children, playing games and watching sporting events of his grandchildren, going to car shows, watching Red Wings Hockey, Detroit Lions football and Detroit Tigers baseball.

A funeral to celebrate Paul’s life will be held on Tuesday June 11, 2024, at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home Alt and Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Drive N.W. 49504 at 11am. Paul’s family will visit with family and friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, Alzheimer’s Foundation or the American Heart Association.