Obituaries: March 16-22, 2026
Eugene Allen Camfield
November 4, 1927-March 10, 2026
Eugene “Gene” Allen Camfield, age 98, of Grand Haven, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at Christian Haven Home.
He was born on November 4, 1927, in Fountain, Michigan, to the late Roy and Shirley (Kaye) Camfield. Gene married Virginia “Ginny” Matevich on August 4, 1956, in Ludington, Michigan. She preceded him in death on August 16, 2023, after sharing 67 years of marriage.
Gene was a man of character, known for his lifelong commitment to hard work and learning. Even as a teenager during the Great Depression, he balanced logging for the war effort with his education, later co-owning Roy Camfield and Son’s trucking service at just 17.
A proud veteran, Gene served in the U.S. Army during World War II and later as a clerk typist in Korea with the 32nd Infantry. Returning home, he became one of the first to utilize the GI Bill for trade school, leading to a successful career as a welder and engineer. Gene was the owner/operator of Grand Haven Steel Erection and Camfield Welding and Machine Services. He was close to, and deeply respected by, his employees and the local business community alike. In retirement, Gene embraced his passions as an avid HAM Radio operator with the NOARC and an accordion player in the "Garbage Can Band." He found joy in family vacations to Florida, hunting in Wyoming, and polka dancing on the weekends. Above all, Gene was a dedicated husband and grandfather who loved playing Euchre and sharing camping trips with his grandchildren.
Gene will be fondly remembered and missed by his daughter, Tammy (Michael) Stanton, and their children, Nathaniel (Tara) Stanton and Madeline (Jacob Siterlet) Stanton; son, Joseph (Joan) Camfield, and their children, Matthew (Julie) Camfield and Elizabeth Camfield; son, Dennis (Lucinda) Lyles, and their children, Kimberlee (Gary) Mason and Michael (Sandra) Lyles; brother, Calvin Camfield; many great-grandchildren, great-greatgrandchildren, nieces, and nephews; and a long list of beloved friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Virginia; his stepdaughter, Cheryl Stremski; sister, Paula (Camfield) Raschka; brother, Eldred Camfield; and sister-in-law, Kathryn (Jensen) Camfield.
Visitation will be 11 a.m. to noon prior to the memorial service. The memorial service for Gene will take place at noon Saturday, March 21, 2026, at Klaassen Family Funeral Home with Pastor Nathaniel Schmidt officiating. Full military honors to be performed by the American Legion Charles A. Conklin Post 28. Interment will be alongside his wife at Lakeside Cemetery in Custer, Michigan, at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to the local Alzheimer’s Association chapter.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Eugene Allen Camfield, please visit our floral store.
Bede Aidan Roper Robertson
September 6, 1935-March 11, 2026
When the measure of a man is made at the end of his life, what stands out is his character. Did he live a life of integrity, of love toward others, of selflessness, and as a gentleman, treating people as he would want to be treated himself? It can be said without contradiction that Bede Robertson was just such a man, and his departure from this life to the arms of his savior, Jesus Christ, is a loss for all who knew him, while we rejoice at his memory.
On Wednesday, March 11, 2026, Bede Aidan Roper Robertson, age 90, of Grand Haven, was called home to eternity in Heaven, where he is reunited with his wife, Judy, and other beloved members of his family and circle of friends.
He was born on September 6, 1935, in the village of Cotherstone, England, to the late Rev. George Richard and Emma (Hurst Roper) Robertson.
Bede grew up in the town of North Marston, not far from a World War II airfield, where young Bede watched countless aircraft training for battle. The family moved to Canada in 1945 when he was 12, and eventually settled in Livingston County, Michigan. He graduated from Howell High School and then went on to proudly serve his country in the U.S. Army from 1955 to 1957, where he was stationed in Korea.
After his discharge from the service, Bede returned to Michigan, where he met the love of his life, Judy Perroud. Years later, when asked about the highlights of his life, no matter the subject he was asked about, Bede always turned the conversation to how much Judy meant to him and brought joy to his life. Marriage followed on December 6, 1958, and later, Bede and Judy welcomed three beautiful daughters, Dawn, Lisa, and Gail to their family.
Bede and Judy created a warm and loving home in Fowlerville as Bede earned a reputation for excellence and professionalism as an electrical estimator for Glover Electric and Crampton Electric — a career he would hold for the rest of his working life. Their daughters were each married and brought grandchildren, and eventually, great-grandchildren, into Bede and Judy's lives.
A move to Grand Haven meant a large home near the lake and boundless opportunities for family get-togethers and summers with Judy making sure the kids always had something fun to do. When Judy faced a chronic health situation in her later years, Bede showed uncommon and commendable love and care for his bride. There was no sacrifice too large, no task too difficult if it meant caring for and helping her. It was a perfect example of selflessness and unconditional love. On March 13, 2017, Judy went home to her Lord Jesus. Bede bravely faced life without her but never lost his peaceable nature nor his ability to make friends and show love to others.
Bede will always be remembered for his warm smile, his gentle demeanor, and his readiness to laugh. He loved Michigan State sports, a friendly game of golf when the score was an afterthought and mulligans were plentiful, and he definitely had a sweet tooth. Bede never turned down some ice cream, and if a slice of pie happened to be around, he wouldn't say no to that either. He was a character in the best sense of the word, a decent, loving man, the type of whom you rarely encounter. He will be missed.
Bede is survived by his daughter, Dawn (Steve) Varcoe of Louisville, Kentucky, and their son, Michael (Joanna) of Mt. Washington, Kentucky; daughter, Lisa (Scott) Lockwood of Saranac, Michigan, and their children, Greg of Tucson, Arizona, and Tera (Jamie) of Clinton, N.Y.; daughter, Gail (Doug) Nick of Gilbert, Arizona, and their children, Abby (Mike) of Gilbert, AZ, and Chandler (Kellie) of Mesa, Arizona. He deeply enjoyed the blessing of six grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren who also survive him.
He was preceded in death by his dear wife of 67 years, Judith Perroud Robertson, and his precious granddaughter, Courtney Macheile Varcoe.
Bede was a good man; one of the best. Anyone would do well to be the kind of person Bede was. He will rest in peace in the presence of his savior, Jesus.
The celebration of life for Bede will take place on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at Grand Haven Community Baptist Church, time to be announced. Interment will be at Grand Haven Township Lakeshore Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Grand Haven Community Baptist Church.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Bede Aidan Roper Robertson, please visit our floral store.
