Carter "Cart" Warren Huyser

Carter Warren “Cart” Huyser, born November 30, 1943 passed away February 26, 2018. There is a time to be born and a time to die; a time to laugh and a time to cry. Carter chose to spend his life laughing – always with a grin and a laugh close by. The Lord called him home, and we are blessed with such joyful memories.

Carter, born in Hudsonville, to LaVern and Burdene Huyser, now deceased, lived a rambunctious childhood. New shoes or not, if there was a creek, he would be in the middle of it. He was very active in school, including barrel bending with his horse, Stormy. Stormy was a rascal, which meant that Carter and he got along quite well.

An enthusiastic athlete, Carter graduated from Hudsonville High School in 1961, and soon was drafted into the Army in Vietnam. He served in the 25th Infantry Division. After his tour of duty, he met and married the love of his life, Dixie Matzen. February 22, 1969 was a perfect wedding day, and from there the journey began.

A carpenter by trade, building cabinets and finishing many homes, he later built their own home in the quiet woods of Ada, Michigan. As luck would have it, a creek runs through their property to this day. They always enjoyed the wildlife, feeding the turkeys and deer, and even building several bird houses and feeders for the birds. Together the couple raised abandoned animals, including a loyal raccoon who visited his adopted parents even after being introduced to the wild.

Even in his adulthood, Carter enjoyed many sports. He was a member of the Kent County Conservation League, and had a sharp eye for shooting. In 1978, he won the Michigan State Championship in trap shooting. In 2007, he won the Central Zone shoot in which there were 10 states and two Canadian provinces competing.

Call it beginner’s luck? In 2006, Cart coached the trap and skeet for the first Kent County Conservation League shooting team. The skeet team claimed the trophy in the New York competition. Carter treasured that time with the teens, having been quoted in the Grand Rapids Press as being very emotionally invested in their personal development.

Carter had a contagious zeal for life which will be remembered by his siblings Arlen Huyser, and Wanda and Delbert Giem. Also surviving are his cherished wife’s siblings and their spouses: Micky Campbell, Bobby and Nancy Matzen, Wanda and Del Hathaway, Cheri and Brent Scott, and Steve and Judy Matzen. Cart is also survived by his many niece and nephews.

A memorial celebration will be held at Cook Memorial Chapel (East building), 4235 Prairie St., SW, Grandville, where friends and family will get together to share stories, remember Carter’s smile and laughter, and hug it out. The visitation will be on Sunday, March 4, 2018 from 2 to 5 p.m., with story sharing beginning at 3:30 p.m. Don’t be a stranger – please join us.

Memorial contributions in memory of Carter may be made to Faith Hospice.

The family welcomes memories and messages in their online guest book at www.cookcares.com.