"IT is with deep sadness that I learn of Gary's passing. From Detroit Grand Prix Rescue services we pray for his eternal rest and peace. AS a valuable member of our team he will be so missed and as a person we could ask for no better man to lead a team. Accept our belated condolences. We will remember him this year in a tribute on the cover of our book. May God bring you all peace and comfort Brian Long, Chief, Rescue Services Detroit Grand Prix SCCA"
In loving memory of
Gary Michael Furman
December 18, 1954 - January 22, 2020
Furman, Mr.
Gary Michael
Muskegon
Mr. Gary Michael Furman, age 65, passed away from cancer on Wednesday, January 22, 2020. He was born in Fremont, MI on December 18, 1954 to Clarence & Addie (Rattin) Furman. Mr. Furman enjoyed a thirty year career serving his community, retiring in 2009 as The Fire Chief of Dalton Township Fire Department. As an active volunteer with The American Red Cross, he provided disaster relief to hurricane-ravaged Puerto Rico, and was one of the many serviceman who answered the call in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks on The World Trade Center on September 11. His commitment to community service followed him into retirement, as he was a regular volunteer at Supper House in Muskegon.
Gary enjoyed family card games and visits to the casino. He loved wintering in Arizona with his amazing wife Ranaye, taking his grandchildren on adventures in his motorhome, and doing burnouts in his 72' Challenger.
Gary was survived by his Wife, Ranaye Furman; children, Amy Dykes (Nicholas Bol), Candy (Josh) Carlisle, Adam (Britteny Itter) Furman, Joe (Jolene) Balder; 11 grandchildren; brother, William "Bill" (Dawn) Furman; sister, Karen Burns; brother-in-law, Joe Sallgren; parents-in-law, Ray & Sheryl Sallgren; aunt, Sal Furman; many nieces, nephews, cousins & friends, including longtime friend Mr. Art Stevens. He was preceded in death by his parents; son-in-law, Bryan Dykes.
A funeral service will be held in his honor on Tuesday, January 28, 2020, 11:00 AM, at Holton United Methodist Church with Pastor Matt Stoll officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service followed by a luncheon and Internment at Twin Lake Cemetery. In Lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to either the American Red Cross or American Cancer Society. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to leave a memory or sign the online guestbook.
Clock Funeral Home - Muskegon
Tributes
"Fireman Furman - it is with a heavy heart that I recently heard about Gary passing. Wish I could have made it to the service. I have not gotten to see him much the last couple years, but our family (Rosema's) considered him to be Danny's Guardian Angel. He was there for us several times when my dad got hurt, or had complications. First on the scene. Most of these are etched in my brain permanently. Beyond that, he was an extremely kind and considerate man. I think every kid that grew up in Twin Lake wanted to be a fireman like Gary. The contributions he made to Dalton Twp. and the Twin Lake community are second to none. Fire Chief was just the tip of the iceberg. At the end of his career, he wasn't treated the best by the Township that he served. One of my favorite memories of Gary, is when he and Adam would stop at the Napa store in his AWESOME yellow hot rod. After a BS session and some parts, they would take off fast and occasionally burn a little rubber on M120. I was pretty sure Adam and I had the coolest dads ever!! He came to my rescue in a really bad accident in 2009, not long before he "retired." I am eternally grateful for his contributions and sacrifices. I agree with what's been said already - every little piece of him will be missed!! Rest in Peace, Chief!!"
"Big city Fire Chiefs get the accolades and attention, but small town Fire Chiefs have a duty more difficult--especially when they serve in the community they grew up in. While the former may never leave their office, the latter aren't comfortable in theirs. They bear all the responsibilities of that big city Fire Chief, and then some. In a small town, he is the one on the nozzle; running the Hurst tool; doing CPR. The neighbor in cardiac arrest that he tries to save could be a friend. The burning house he crawls through to extinguish could be a relative. The child he removes from the wreckage of a crash could be his own. Those that serve under his command are family and friends and he must find the balance between boss, buddy and blood--making difficult decisions without sacrificing relationships. It doesn't always work out. The small town Fire Chief's job becomes a series of very personal, often tragic, encounters and each one takes a piece of him with it. I believe God created special people to be small town Fire Chiefs; men and women strong enough to give pieces of themselves away over a lifetime of service. Gary was one of those Fire Chiefs. And every little piece of him will be missed. I'm grateful to have known him and I owe my fire service career to him. As well as some of my best dad jokes: "What's a caterpillars worst nightmare?""
"Remembering Gary and all his help when I was Fire Chief at Hart Area Fire Department. Spent a lot of time on the phone and he even attended my retirement from the Fire Department. My sympathy to the family. Jerry L. Schaner"
"Raynae and family...Very sorry for the loss of a great person. Hugs and prayers are sent your way. I loved my cousin Gary dearly. Lots of memories growing up and later in life. I know he is a smiling angel in Heaven looking over all of us everyday."
"My heart hurts as I write to say goodbye in this world to a very dear man and friend. I will always remember Gary for his love for his family and also my son Bryan(his son-in-law). He had such a caring heart and will never be forgotten and missed by everyone. My love and prayers to my family in Michigan."
"You will be missed. You were a classmate and a mentor on the fire department. It was a pleasure working under you."
"He was a very sweet man to work with, I worked with him at the American Red Cross. He will be missed. Sorry for the loss of a wonderful man"
"So sorry for your loss. Gary was a mentor and a easy going person. God bless you all in your time of loss."
"Rest In Peace, Gary . You were one of the good guys . May the Lord heal the family and hold them during these stressful times. God Bless!"
"Our deepest sympathies from our FireDepartment family to yours. "
"I have fond memories of Chief Furman from my teaching years at Twin Lake Elementary. Fire Prevention Week was an educational but fun time for the kids because it always included a ride from the school to the firehouse and back again. He loved his job, and will be missed by the Twin Lake community. Well done, Chief Furman. "
"Chief Furman was a very important part in our Fire Prevention Education of our Twin Lake Elementary students. You could tell his love and devotion to the job and education of teaching our students how to be safe. His joy of providing Fire Truck rides to our kiddos was loved by all of us. Thank you Chief Furman for your service and compassion to many, especially those of us at Twin Lake Elementary for many years. To his children and family, you are in my thoughts and prayers. In sympathy, Donna Cullen-Benedict"
"Gary was more than a cousin, he was a dear friend. He was a positive role model in my children?s lives and he cared and loved each of them unconditionally. Gary you will be sadly missed!"
"So sorry to hear of Gary's passing. He a was such a sweet man. Will keep the Family in my prayers."
"I am sorry, My heart is with you all during this time. I?ll be praying for you all. "
"We are so saddened to hear of your passing, you have always held such a special place in our hearts after "your" strength and presence on the worse day of our lives was so important and meant so much. You'll never be forgotten, you were a great leader to a great team! Rest in Peace "
"So sorry to hear about the loss of Gary (Chief ). We fondly remember all the good times camping, card playing, and family events with him and his family. He will missed a great deal by all of us. Prayers go out to all his family & friends, RIP Gary "
"To my buddy Chief...to all the crazy times we shared.Going to miss you so much. Ranaye..our hearts go out to you. Amy,Candy,Adam...we are so sorry...we loved your dad...and all you kids..sending prayers to all."
"I am so saddened to hear of your dad's passing. It was my priviledge to have known him not only as agreat leader and teacher but also as a friend. He will be missed. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.?"
"Gary, my heart breaks that you are gone. Thank you for all you have done for others. Sending prayers to all of your family members and loved ones that they feel God's peace at this time. "