Virgil L. Somerville

Mr. Virgil L. Somerville, age 84, went home to be with his Lord late Thursday evening October 1, 2015. He was born on June 17, 1931 in East Jordan, MI and married the former Lola LaFave on May 27, 1950. Virgil worked at Shaw Walker for 41 years before retirement. Virgil and Lola were married for 65 years and together they raised 8 children as Reeths-Puffer Rockets. Over the years one couldn’t miss the Somerville name in sports articles and yearbooks as his children received credits for their athletic and academic achievements. Later his grandchildren shared the same school spirit, actively engaged in sports and school activities. Virgil never missed a game or opportunity to watch his family participate, always the proud father and grandpa. Virgil’s joy and enthusiasm for life was evident in the many activities he enjoyed with his family. Holidays, birthdays, weddings, and special occasions were celebrated whole-heartedly-crowded, noisy, busy and memorable. Virgil was an avid sportsman, and each season offered special opportunities to spend time outdoors hunting and fishing with his sons, and later grandchildren joined in. Each of them shared his passion for the outdoors. Virgil was a member of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church. While Virgil was a devout Catholic, the true testimony of his faith was evident in the way he lived his life. His empathy, love, and compassion showered on so many people was more faith-convincing than any sermon or words. His nonjudgmental tenderness spoke louder than any words could, and his family and friends were truly blessed by his humble, quiet acceptance. Virgil had bright blue eyes and a genuine smile that made people feel special and important. As his children expressed, “Dad was a moral compass, reliable, caring, a hero; His words of wisdom were of love and respect for others; a compassionate man, who went about doing good.” Virgil wasn’t a man without sorrows in his lifetime, but his perseverance, optimism, and dignity allowed him to overcome trials with faith and hope. No one missed or doubted Virgil’s remarkable impact and influence on his family – always encouraging and inspiring. As Virgil’s illness progressed, his activities were compromised, but his influence as an amazing husband, father, grandpa, and friend was not. The Somerville family remained by his bedside out of devotion and respect, each of them deeply grateful in their own way for Virgil’s love, sacrifice, and strength. As one son noted, “Like Abraham, a true legacy that will live on forever through his family.” Mr. Somerville is survived by his wife, Lola; his children: Cindy (Skip) Reed, Vicky (Darryl) Bonebrake, Kay Somerville (fiance, Dan West), Mark (Kim) Somerville, Kirk (Jackie) Somerville, Lori Dake, Mike (Linda) Somerville, Patrick (Kathy) Somerville; sisters: Joyce LaFountain and Shirley Scott; 26 grandchildren; 39 great grandchildren. Mr. Somerville was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Martha (Bolser) Somerville, and brother, Ernest Somerville, Jr. The Somerville family is grateful to the staff at Sanctuary of McAuley and Harbor Hospice for their care and support. A funeral mass will be held at 10:00am on Monday, October 5, 2015 at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church (495 S. Getty St., Muskegon, MI). The family will receive visitors on Sunday, October 4, 2015 from 2-4pm and 6-8pm at Ever Rest Funeral Home & Chapel (1783 E. Keating Ave., Muskegon, MI).