Darl H. Peabody

He is survived by his wife Elnora; children, Penny Gary Wyn of Byron Center, Victoria Steven Duren-Peabody of Caledonia, Susan Larry Hedeman of Traverse City; five grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; brothers, Frederick Nancy Peabody of Allegan, David Stella Peabody of Plainwell; sister Linda Berwyn Standish of Kalkaska; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Karl and Irene Tinkey of Portage; several nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. His sister Beth Peabody preceded him in death.

Darl was born on May 17, 1926 in Allegan, eldest child of the late Forest and MettaBelle Peabody.

Darl served in the US Navy at the close of WWII, was a member of the American Legion Post #2, the American Welding Society, the Society of Manufacturing Engineers, and the Grandville United Methodist Church. Following years as chief electrical engineer with Kirkhof Manufacturing, in 1964, Darl founded Rapid Control Service and developed the internationally sold RAPCO Welder. He was a gifted engineer and inventor, who loved his work.

Darl made many lasting friendships at client and customer manufacturers over the years. He lived a unique, deliberate and conscientious life. A love for the out-of-doors and physical challenge, resulted in archery, canoeing, flying, sailing, scuba diving, and tennis. His interest and curiosity in the world led to unusual travels; Australia, China, Israel, Russia, and Saudi Arabia among them.

He was a devoted family man; loving, wise, and generous to us all. He was a kind, intelligent, decent human being; and a Good Samaritan. One of his last philanthropic deeds was the donation of a home for a community library.

Parkinsons and Alzheimers ended his life on Earth, though never his humor, kindness, work ethic, courage, and dignity.

According to his wishes, cremation has taken place.

A Memorial Service will be held Thursday, 7 p.m. at the Grandville United Methodist Church, 3140 Wilson, with the Reverends Gerald Toshalis and James Hodge officiating.

The family will meet with relatives and friends two hours prior to the service at the church.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Grandville Avenue Neighborhood Library, 1260 Grandville Ave., 49509,or the Grandville United Methodist Church Building Fund.

The family wishes to acknowledge with gratitude his many caregivers.

Those unable to attend the service or visitation, may sign the family's Memory Book at www.cookfuneralhome.com.

Visitation October 25, 2001 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM Grandville United Methodist Church 3140 Wilson Ave. S.W. Grandville, MI

Funeral Service October 25, 2001 7:00 PM Grandville United Methodist Church 3140 South Wilson Ave. Grandville, MI (616) 538-3070

Funeral Home Service Cook Funeral Home, Inc. - Grandville Chapel 4235 Prairie St. SW Grandville, MI (616) 534-7619