Harold Boven

A man of honor, integrity, and sound moral principle, Harold Boven made a significant impact in the world around him. He was kindhearted and generous toward others as he was always looking for things he could do to help in ways both great and small. Harold loved being a husband and father, but he just may have argued that there was nothing better than being a grandfather to the grandchildren who made his heart swell with pride. He was an intelligent man with many interests and talents that kept him on the go throughout his entire journey. Harold was the sort of man who could accomplish whatever he set his mind to, and he was the rock of his family. He will be deeply missed, but his timeless legacy will be carried on by those who follow in his footsteps.

The Roaring Twenties were an exciting time in America. Radios, washing machines, and refrigerators were signs of the time while motion pictures came to life with both color and sound. Cars were more affordable, and the world of flight was taken to new heights because of the fearless spirits of Amelia Earhart and Charles Lindbergh. Nestled within this vibrant time was the year 1928 that was filled with great joy for a young couple from McBain, Michigan, as they were greatly blessed with a Christmas present of the very best kind when they welcomed a healthy baby boy into their hearts and home on December 25th. Harold H. was the fourth of six children born to his parents, Derk and Katrina (Uyterschout) Boven, and a healthy boy he was as he weighed in at a whopping fourteen pounds!

Joined in his family by his older siblings, Wilma, Millie, and Irene, and his younger twin brothers, Ray and Roy, Harold’s upbringing was a reflection of his generation. His parents were hardworking farmers who were good people, and the family embraced their small country town. Harold was very musical as he sang and played the guitar, and he and his siblings often sang together as a group for several community events and activities. Although his parents were born in the United States, they were of Dutch descent and spoke only Dutch for several years. Harold still remembered bits and pieces of the language throughout his adult life. He also played baseball and basketball, enjoyed swimming in the river, and took on small acting parts in community plays. Harold’s family played an important role in his life, and he was very close with his Grandpa Uyterschout as the two seemed to always be together - so much so that this made his siblings a little jealous at times. The Bovens were a close-knit group, and even though Harold was known to tease his sisters and get into a squabble or two with his brothers they all had each other’s backs when needed. A student at local schools, Harold graduated from McBain High School in 1946.

With his sights set on being a farmer, Harold was shoveling out the cattle stalls when he heard a radio announcement for recruit school opening up for the state police. He decided to take a chance on it since farmers work too hard and die too young. Harold then took a short, eight-week study course at Michigan State University for the Michigan State Police and went on to the State Police Academy. He joined the Michigan State Police in 1956 and was stationed in Gaylord, Ypsilanti, Rockford, and the Racket squad out of Detroit. Harold loved his work as a state policeman, retiring on April 11, 1981, as a sergeant from the Alpena post after 25 years of service. Harold was also a member of the State Police Troopers Association as well as a volunteer with the Long Lake Fire Department for several years.

Not to be forgotten during his years as a young man was Harold’s introduction to the woman of his dreams. Her name was Bonnie Buckner, and she was just a young girl of 16 when he spotted her while walking down the street in 1949. Harold was smitten on the spot and just knew right then and there that he had to get to know her. After dating for a time the couple quickly found themselves deeply in love. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together Harold and Bonnie were married on June 22, 1951, at People Methodist Church in Cadillac. They were a great pair as they were both easy going, and they had great chemistry, too.

Together Harold and Bonnie loved raising their five children. Family was always first and foremost in Harold’s life, and it was his mission to make sure that they were safe and taken care of. Harold always stressed the importance of education to his children as well. As a father he was patient and fair for the most part, but his children also knew not to get him angry! When it came to his children Harold was always their biggest supporter and encourager, and this tradition continued when grandchildren arrived. He was filled with unspeakable joy to become a grandfather, and he loved spending time with his grandchildren and keeping up on what was going on in their lives.

For as long as he was able Harold was one to keep busy. After retiring as a policeman, he spent more time in the ceramics business as he did some traveling and was part of several shows. He and Bonnie were charter members of the Northeast Michigan Ceramic Association and ran a successful ceramic and decal business for over 50 years. Harold also enjoyed working out in the woods behind his home. With his overall love for life he seemed to find just about everything interesting whether it was history, flowers, the beauty of the outdoors, dancing, music, or people. For the most part Harold was most comfortable in casual clothes, yet he always looked nice, too.

All who knew Harold Boven would agree that he was such a blessing to know. He was friendly, outgoing, and funny, and there was nothing like one of his goofy faces. No matter what was going on, Harold was known for saying, “It’s going to be a good day today,” and he meant it since he was one of the most positive people around. He leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that will be forever cherished by his family and friends.

Harold H. Boven, of Presque Isle, died on Sunday, September 28, 2014, at Tendercare Greenview. Harold’s family includes his wife, Bonnie R. (Buckner) Boven; five children: Sandra L. (Jerry, deceased) de Ryke of Grand Rapids, MI, Daniel C. (Jill) of Whitmore Lake, Michael H. (Gina) of Powell, TN, Richard E. (Tina) of Alpena, Katherine N. (Mark) Nowak of Alpena; nine grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. Family and friends will gather on Monday, October 6, 2014, at Immanuel Lutheran Church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the memorial service at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. James Erickson officiating. Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. McWilliams Funeral Home – Alpena assisted the family. On-line condolences may be registered at www.lifestorynet.com