Harold Russell Hubbell

Harold was born on August 1, 1927 in Kewadin, MI. to Percy and Carolina “Betty” (Russell) and the family lived there until the Depression forced the family to move to Centerline, MI in the early 1930’s.

As a teen, he worked at the Saunders Candy Company to earn money. While in high school, Harold played all sports but lettered in baseball the four years he played for Busch High School in Centerline where he graduated in 1945.

After graduation, Harold joined the Navy and was deployed on a peacekeeping patrol in the Asia Pacific as a Seaman, First Class. He was honorably discharged in 1947 and returned home to his family who had returned back to Kewadin.

Harold met the love of his life, Carol J. Kennedy of Elk Rapids, and they were married on September 9, 1949 and enjoyed 64 years together until she passed in 2013.

Harold joined the Davey Tree Company in 1952, and was promoted to foreman and then to Sales Representative, retiring from there after 30 years. After a short retirement, he established Hubbell Tree Service in the early 1980’s and operated his successful business for the next 15 years.

He loved baseball, and was a huge Tiger baseball fan and watched or listened on the radio to every game he could. During his younger days, he was a pitcher for the Trude Hardware Men’s softball, fast pitch league in the late 50’s and early 60’s, and once coached High School Youth Baseball team in Elk Rapids with his brother Norm. He enjoyed following the Traverse City Beach Bums where his son (and best “bud”), Chuck worked as a scorekeeper.

In retirement, Harold and Carol traveled to Maui, Hawaii, and Branson, Missouri and New York. They also enjoyed going to Interlochen and attending many events that their granddaughters, Whitney and Elena participated in during their elementary and high school years. He would also volunteer as an adviser to the Elk Rapids DPW regarding the care and maintenance of the village trees.

Harold is survived by his children: Leslie (Geralyn), Donn (Jerri), and Holly (Dan) Kaidan. Also surviving are 11 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren and beloved former daughter in law Carleen Hubbell. Besides his parents and wife, he is preceded in death by his son Charles who passed in 2010, brothers; Norm and Nile Hubbell, and nephew Robert.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 27, 2019 at Noon from the Covell Funeral Home in Elk Rapids. Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m. until the time of service. Interment at Maple Grove Cemetery where Military Honors will be afforded. The family expresses their appreciation to Tricia of Bright Star, Rebecca and Michele of Cherry Suites AFC and Heartland Hospice for their love and special care of our Father.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions appreciated to Heartland Hospice or the Local AMVETS Post #114, 410 Bridge Street, Elk Rapids, MI 49629.