Barry M. Ackerson

LIFESTORY:

Barry M. Ackerson "Pops" will be remembered as a quiet and unassuming man whose actions spoke volumes for his character. A devoted husband and father, Barry put his family at the center of his life and worked hard to be a good provider. He knew that true joy in life comes not from material possessions, but the lifelong friends and loving family that surround you.

The 1950s were an exciting decade in our nation's history. It witnessed America stride confidently from the ashes of World War II into a new age of prosperity. It was in these times of progress that Americans discovered the proximity of the suburbs, the convenience of dishwashers and the swinging sounds of rock and roll. Barry entered these changing times on April 23, 1954, in Portland, Michigan , one of three children born to Robert and Peggy Ackerson. The Ackerson family was proud of their Scottish heritage and raised the children with an awareness and appreciation of their history; a trait Barry took great pride in all his life.

In Michigan, Barry spent his growing up years living a time in Portland, Marshall and Marion . He graduated from high school in Marion , where he excelled at sports, lettering in both baseball and softball. Later in life, he enjoyed playing ball on company teams where he worked. After graduating, he met and married Jan Staton and settled in Cadillac. Barry and Jan had three wonderful sons, Nick, Jeff and Ryan. During this time Barry worked for Wedin International as a journeyman machinist specializing in gears. Although their marriage did not last, Barry's sons remained a major focus in his life and brought him so much joy.

Barry loved being a father and would do anything for his children. They were always first in his heart. His sons considered him an excellent role model as well as a firm but gentle father. Barry loved doing things with his sons, like building them coaster cars, which actually raced and won many times. They also enjoyed attending the Alma Highlands Festival together, in honor of Barry's heritage. Although frugal, Barry would rather use his last dime on his family or doing something together, than buy material things, because they were the ones who brought his life extraordinary joy.

Music played an important part in Barry's life. He was an excellent electric and stand up bass player, and over the years he played at many churches and rock and bluegrass bands. There wasn't any particular style of music that Barry liked best, he simply loved all genres of music. It was through his music that Barry met his wife, Ann Jacobson-Landers. She was in Cadillac for her class reunion and went to listen to a former co-worker's band, Sweetwater. Barry was the band's bass player. It seems Ann had a very easy and contagious laugh, which Barry was drawn too, so he asked her for a date. As they grew to know each other better music remained a big part of their life. Ann realized she loved Barry while they were riding in the car, singing along to "Chantilly Lace". A year later Barry joined Ann in Kalamazoo and went to work for Stryker Instrument. The couple made a happy home together, and was eventually married on June 22, 2001.

Barry was a man of many talents, or as his sons put it, he was a jack-of-all-trades and master of none. No matter, he just loved to tinker around with just about anything mechanical, as well as fix broken bikes and toys for his grandchildren, whom he adored. A good man of great integrity with a very strong work ethic, Barry would often be heard to say, "I'm just trying to do the right thing". Barry was not a perfect man, but he was perfect for Ann and for his family who loved him dearly. What Barry did best was live each day to its fullest extent being the best person he could. His sons feel that if they can be half the man he was they would have a great life.

Barry Ackerson, age 51 of Kalamazoo, MI , died suddenly on Monday, November 14, 2005. Barry is survived by his wife, Ann and children: Nick (Jessica) Ackerson of Cadillac, Jeff Ackerson of Grand Blanc and Ryan Ackerson of Kalamazoo; 1 year old Joseph Michael at home, Jess Landers of Crawfordsville, IN, Melissa (Lorne) Brush of New Market, IN; grandchildren Marilyn (11), Hailea (8), Heather (7), Caleb (6), Joshua (4), Levi (2), and Barry (9 months) whom he adored; ; his mother, Peggy Ackerson of Easthampton, MA, his father, Robert (Bea) Ackerson of Bayonet Point, FL and Marion, MI; his sisters, Bonnie (Bill) Partridge of Olivet, Bobbi (Mike) Schrauben of Easthampton, MA, and; an aunt, 2 uncles, 5 nieces, 2 nephews and several cousins.

"I see their faces. I feel the traces they've left on my soul. Those are the memories that make me a wealthy soul." - Bob Sieger

Services will be held Saturday December 3, 2005 at 4:00 p.m. at the RDMG Life Story Funeral Home in Portage . Following those services, friends are invited to visit with Barry's family until 6 p.m. at the funeral home. Please visit Barry's personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may archive a favorite memory, order flowers or make a memorial contribution to Family and Children's Services, Handle With Care Fund.