Louis "louie" Abid

ABID - E. Louis "Louie" Abid, of Grand Haven, previously of East Grand Rapids, passed into eternal life on Monday, April 6th, 2009. Lou was born in Grand Rapids on Leap Day February 29, 1928. He grew up on the Michigan Street Hill in Grand Rapids and Roslyn, WA. After graduating from Central High School, Lou enlisted in the Army and served his country with honor in Japan at the end of WWII. Continuing his education was very important to Lou. So with the GI Bill, and working three jobs at the same time, Lou earned his Bachelor's Degree from Western Michigan University. He went on to work in accounting and finance fields for the auto, defense, and non-profit sectors. He was also successful in many entrepreneurial endeavors. Louie was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Louise (Najar) Abid, his brother, Nicholas Abid, and his parents, Joseph and Amelia Abid. He is survived by his five children of whom he was immensely proud, Stephen and Maureen Abid, Karen and Perry Abbs, Diane and Wayne Satterlee, Daniel Abid, Paul and Miko Abid; grandchildren, Matthew and Laura Abid, Chris and fiancée, Jennifer Abid, Robert Abid, Michelle Abbs, Dustin Abbs, Eric Satterlee, Sean Satterlee, Oliver Abid; and one great-grandchild, Matthew Abid Jr. He is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Joseph and Janet Abid; sisters-in-law, Juanita Abid, Jeanette Najar, Mary Jane Shrauger, and Shirley Najar; and many nieces and nephews. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, son, brother and uncle. Louie lived his life as a devout and faithful Christian; a person of great character and integrity, proud of his Syrian heritage; he was welcoming of all people and endeared by them. He was an ambitious entrepreneur, loved Lake Michigan, enjoyed living in Grand Haven, and visiting with his "coffee buddies". We will gather his family and friends to celebrate Louie Abid's life as he enters Heaven. Visitation will be at O'Brien Gerst Funeral Home, 3980 Cascade Rd. SE, Monday, April 13 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Rosary at 7 p.m. Liturgy of Catholic Burial will be offered Tuesday, April 14 at 11 a.m. St. Stephen Church, 750 Gladstone, SE. Interment at Woodlawn Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital. O'Brien Eggebeen Gerst