Mr. Douglas N. De Ward, age 62, of Rockford, passed away on Saturday, October 17, 2009. He grew up in Wyoming, MI and was a member of the Boy Scout Troop #3217. Doug was a 1965 graduate of Ottawa Hills  High School and was a wrestler in the 103# weight class. He also had a part time job at Woodland Roller Rink. Doug tried to enlist, but he did not weigh enough. He went on a diet of bananas and mashed potatoes so he could be in the service. After he gained weight, he entered the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War. After the military, Doug worked for Superior Sea Foods and then worked for Steelcase for 27 years, retiring in 1996. For the next 12 years, Doug worked for the  Cedar  Springs School District in the Maintenance Department and did delivery and copy work. He was an avid snowmobiler and served as President of the Snowmobile Club. Doug was very active at the Glenn Hill Post, serving as the Assistant Club Manager and Financial Manager, and prior to that he was active with the Newaygo Post. He was a member of the Forty and Eight Club.  His children have many joyful memories of the times at their camp when snowmobiling, tubing, and water skiing. Doug loved cars and while in England in the Air Force he bought a “MG.” He and his wife loved to travel and hoped to one day visit England. Doug is survived by his loving wife, Jennifer Dagley De Ward, children, Jamie De Ward of Grand Rapids, Jennifer Schumacher of Sparta, Sarah Dagley of Grand Rapids, and Trevor (Jill) Dagley of Cedar Springs; 8 grandchildren; brother and sisters, Mrs. Beverly Anderson, Karen (Tex) Moore, Mary (Dale) Wind, Rob (Kristin) De Ward; mother-in-law, Mrs. Jean VanEck; brother-in-law, Rob VanEck; nieces, nephews, and many extended family members. The service for Doug was Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. at the Pederson Funeral Home with Pastor Craig Owens officiating. Military honors under the auspices of the Kent County Veterans Honor Guard with interment in Courtland Township Cemetery. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider Friends of Michigan Veterans Homes Inc.,  PO Box #150251,  Grand Rapids, MI  49515. Relatives and friends met with the family from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.
Arrangements by Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford
www.pedersonfuneralhome.com