The greatest joy for Lucky Holford was found in the company of his beloved family. Always looking after those in his care, he sacrificed much to give his family opportunity and support. Most importantly, he encouraged them with faith, love and devotion. To those he leaves behind, may a whistle be a gentle reminder of the call home from a faithful and loving man.
Following the end of the Great War, the 1920s began as a decade of economic prosperity rich with innovation and optimism. The stock market soared and people everywhere were brimming with hope. For Emmor and Bertha (Nichols) Holford, times were exceptionally joyful when on April 13, 1927 they welcomed the birth of a baby boy they named Emmor, after his father. Born in the lakeshore community of Muskegon, Michigan, he was indeed the baby, joining his older siblings Nathan and Clarinda who were over thirteen years older than Emmor.
As tenant farmers, Emmor and his family moved often, calling several area farming communities on the north side of Kent County home. Raised in faith, Emmor held close to this trust that his parents instilled in him. Growing up, Emmor attended a number of elementary schools, but it was farming that gave him a strong work ethic. Moving about during his childhood taught Emmor valuable lessons in life and about people in general. Eventually settling in the Wyoming, Michigan area around Grand Rapids, Emmor, or Lucky as he had become known, learned to tinker with mechanics at an early age. His interest and knack at being mechanically inclined found him capable of fixing the family car when he was only 14 and his love for mechanics continued throughout his adulthood.
Like many young men during the time, Lucky left school to learn a trade. He began attending NYA Trade School where he learned welding and in time found work in Ohio before enlisting in the Navy. Serving with the Seabees, Lucky’s vast mechanical knowledge was used operating heavy machinery. In fact, Lucky was aboard a ship headed to Guam when the Japanese surrendered during World War II. His time in the service earned him his nickname, “Lucky” because one night after he got up from his bunk a sniper bullet hit the very spot where his head had been. Following his discharge, Lucky returned to Grand Rapids and went to work for the Kelvinator Company.
Little did Lucky know that a blind date with Vivian Hendee would change his life forever. Vivian swept Lucky off his feet and after three days, he proposed to the woman who would come to hold his heart for the next 61 years. After a whirlwind courtship, the happy couple exchanged vows three months later on August 14, 1948. Before long, they began their family and in time became a bustling household of seven children. When the kids were young they moved several times before buying a partially built home on 7 Mile Road in Comstock Park. They moved to their new home and completed the work while living there. Always handy, Lucky did most of the work himself.
Lucky was always there for his kids. He loved his family and they were the most important part of his life. Although a firm disciplinarian, he instilled in them respect and they respected his rules. Lucky took time to patiently teach his children about things rather than just telling them how to do something, and did so while encouraging their efforts and praising their successes. A man of honor, he set a wonderful example for his children to live by. Raising his family in a faith filled home was important to Lucky, and his own steadfast devotion shone bright. He gladly sacrificed for his beloved family. Wonderful memories are kept as they recall enjoyable weekend camping trips together filled with adventure in the outdoors. He loved being outside and taking in all it had to offer. Many of their tent camping excursions were off into the woods somewhere and at local sites. They also traveled out west and to the Upper Peninsula.
When his boys were old enough to begin Cub Scouts, Lucky was in his element, becoming a scout leader. When they entered Boy Scouts, he helped out with their troop. This time with his sons forged a close bond and made lasting memories for each of them. His involvement in scouting continued over the years to include the local scout headquarters, earning him the rank of neighborhood Commissioner. In his later years, Lucky went on to volunteer as a ranger maintaining areas at the boy scout reservation. When grandchildren came along, Lucky loved spending time with them. A natural worrier of sorts, he was always concerned about their safety, just as he was as a loving father of his own children. Quite social, Lucky loved interacting with people. It was natural for him to extend a hand and offer help when needed, without thinking twice. With a wonderful sense of humor, he loved putting a smile on people’s faces and could strike up a conversation with anyone.
After working at Kelvinator for 28 years, Lucky took early retirement at 58. He had plenty to keep busy and always had activities and projects on his plate. He was a member of the Conservation Club in Howard City and enjoyed woodworking and crafts, quite often making gifts for others. A bit of a pack rat, Lucky had his own “organized” mess and generally could always find what he was looking for. Throughout his life, Lucky was a jack of all trades and truly mastered a few. Once retired, Lucky and Vivian joined The Sowers Ministry, (Servants on Wheels Ever Ready) volunteering their time and talents traveling extensively in their fifth wheel to help non-profit agencies throughout the country.
Since childhood, faith was important to Lucky, and he clearly let everyone know where he stood with his Lord. Never one to preach, his actions and words displayed his servant‘s heart. His trust and devotion were evident in all that he said and did, and he always ended a conversation with a gracious, “God be with you” or simply saying, “Bless you” to those in his company. At the age of 82 and after suffering from several ailments over the last few years, Emmor M. “Lucky” Holford went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, November 2, 2009. He will be sorely missed and fondly remembered.
Lucky is survived by his wife, Vivian; children, Marvin (Anne) Holford, Sue Ann (Al) Elam, Mike (Linda) Holford, Mary (Larry) Poling, Joyce (Dale) Poling, Kenneth Holford and Carolyn (Bruce) Brink; 15 grandchildren; several step-grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews. A service to celebrate Lucky’s life will be held on Friday, November 6, 2009, 11:00 AM at Rockford Springs Community Church, 5815 14 Mile Road NW. Friends are invited to visit with his family on Thursday at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home–Van Strien Creston Chapel, 1833 Plainfield NE from 2-4 and 7-9 PM and on Friday at the church from 10:00 AM until the time of the service. For those who wish, memorial contributions to either Spectrum Health Hospice or to the Van Andel Institute for Cancer Research are appreciated. To read more about his life, share a favorite memory or to sign his online register, please visit www.lifestorynet.com
Emmor "Lucky" Holford
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