George Supp

George Supp, age 83, died peacefully at hospice near his home in Naples, Florida after a three-year battle with leiomyosarcoma on August 21, 2023. He is survived by his loving family, including sister Barb Burrows, brother Gary Supp, wife Marina Supp, son Alan (and Sharon) Supp, daughter Cheri/Cheryl (and Aaron) Molhoek; grandchildren Joshua (and Ines) Supp, Whitney (and Chase) Miller, Brian (and Mik) Molhoek, and Kati Molhoek; great grandchildren, Leilani, Julian and Wesley; and nieces and nephew Brad, Cathy, Michelle, and Stephanie, and great nieces and nephews, Lauren, Mathew, Brent, Conner, Kayla, Owen, Mason, Thatcher, and Emmy, and “Banister” cousins. He also was deeply attached to Marina’s mother, daughter Daria (and Pasha), and granddaughter Nika. He was preceded in death by his father and mother George and Rose Supp, brother-in-law Gerry Burrows, and first wife and mother of his children, Marcia Nill.

 

Born and raised in Ionia, Michigan, George attended Ionia High School, and earned his Bachelor of Electrical Engineering from General Motors Institute (Kettering University) and Masters of Mechanical Engineering from Wayne State University. Shortly upon receiving his masters and corresponding pay raise, George became captivated by the world of finance. He became a licensed securities broker, joining Horace Barton at Halsey, Stuart & Co., moving his young family to Grand Rapids to begin a long and successful career as a bond broker, eventually retiring as Senior Vice President of McDonald and Co. From his first job with Fred Meijer in Ionia to his lifelong family responsibilities, he never took lightly his role of mentor and provider.

 

George loved life and had a special gift to connect with people, savoring long conversations with everyone from receptionists to his dearest friends. He took deep interest in the lives of those he met, giving each the gift of his attention and positive encouragement, hoping to make each person feel special and loved. A consummate learner and believer in education, he craved knowledge and was always curious and inquisitive, even following the market and making portfolio adjustments until his last days of life.

 

George’s joys over the years included boating, hunting, snowmobiling, dancing, skiing, dune walks, rollerblading, biking around Saugatuck and Naples, serving as a Rotarian, cheering on grandchildren at sporting and music events, and the occassional competitive game of Euchre. George was an active member of Unity Church of Douglas, Singapore Yacht Club, Greater Grand Rapids Ski Club, and Naples Ski Club, which he co-founded.

 

As memorialized in his high school yearbook, George was “a good fellow among fellows.”

 

George will be deeply missed. By all of us. 

 

A Celebration of Life/gathering of friends and family will be held Monday, August 28th, at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts from 2:30 pm to 7:30 pm, with memorial comments at 4:30.  

 

Memorial contributions can be made to Leiomyosarcoma Support & Direct Research Foundation, LMSDR.org