George Dewey Schad

George D. Schad, age 88, died on Saturday, August 25, 2012 after living with Dimentia for several years. George spent his entire career in the wood office furniture manufacturing business in Grand Rapids. With the exception of 2 years with a company in Bogata, Colombia, he worked at and later owned Nucraft Furniture Company which his father had founded in 1942.

After retirement he was recruited by the International Executive Service Corp. to consult with family owned businesses in developing countries. In that capacity he and his wife spent several months each year in Costa Rica, Tunisia, Philippine Islands, Zimbabwe and Guatemala.

George was a passionate outdoorsman. He fished on Little Pine Island Lake, on Lake Michigan, on rivers in Michigan, Montana, Costa Rica and in Colombia. He hunted small and big game in Michigan, Colorado, Montana and Alaska and also sailed on Lake Michigan and in Florida. He enjoyed scuba diving in the Philippines and in Belize. Also a great joy of his was golfing at Greenridge (later Egypt Valley) Country Club.

Surviving is his wife, Vernis; son, Tim (Cindy) Schad and their sons, Matthew (Diana) and Brandon (Anne) Schad; son, Scott (Terri) Schad and their son, Ross (Melissa) Schad and great grandchildren, Abigail and Addyson Schad.

A memorial visitation to celebrate the life of Mr. Schad will be held at Reyers North Valley Chapel, 2815 Fuller Ave., NE on Thursday, August 30 from 2 until 4 p.m. and and in the evening from 7 until 9 p.m. There will be no formal memorial service.

Those wishing to honor George’s memory may make a contribution to the Education Fund for Caretakers at the Porter Hills Greenhouse #1, 4450 Cascade Road Suite 200, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49546 where he received extraordinary care during the past few years. Contributions may also be made to the Dwight Lydell Chapter of the Isaac Walton League , 5641 Meyers Lake Ave., Belmont, Michigan 49306 to benefit its programs that develop young sportsmen and conservationists. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.