ROCHELEAU Donald G. Rocheleau aged 76 of East Grand Rapids passed away in his home on December 17 2009 after a courageous battle with cancer. He was preceded in death by his mother Elaine Rocheleau and son Donald Rocheleau Jr. He is survived by his wife Carol (Coleman) Rocheleau; son Mike (Lisa) Rocheleau of Rockford; grandchildren Aaron (Sarah), Hannah Sawyer and Reed; stepchildren Sibley Kirchgessner of Los Angeles CA Susan (Charles) Scrafano of Birmingham MI and Michael (Kendra) Kirchgessner of Naperville IL; grandchildren Charles Isabella Coleman Camden and Madeleine; brother Richard Rocheleau of Grosse Pointe MI; sister Helen Johnson of Alpena MI. An avid hunter and fisherman Don believed in giving back even in his leisure time. With that he approached his personal life and experiences as he did his business life and invested time into the organizations in which he was involved. Don was a member of the Kent County (MI) Conservation League life member of the One-Shot Antelope Hunt (Lander WY), past president of the Past Shooters Council of the Grand National Waterfall Association Chairman for the Water for Wildlife Foundation (Lander WY), member of Kent Country Club and the Useppa Island Club (Bokeelia FL). Throughout his career that spanned more than five decades his leadership devotion and significant contributions to the industry allowed him to achieve many important goals. Accomplishments and prestigious coveted awards including everything from the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) Hall of Fames 27th member the Charles Chapman Award from NMMA and Motor Boating Magazine the ABYC Horizon Award the National Marine Representatives Association Mel Barr Award to the Alan J. Freeman Memorial Award presented to Don by his peers for his leadership and the Paul Harris Fellow by Rotary International. He served as President of the Marine Accessories and Services as well as President of the National Association of Marine Products. He was appointed to the U.S. Coast Guard National Boating Safety Advisory Council by President George H.W. Bush and the Board of the American Boat and Yacht Council. He spent thirty-three years at Attwood Corporation retiring as President and CEO. Dons basic business wisdom was Know Your Customer. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. A Memorial Service will be held December 22 2009 at with visitation from 10 to at the OBrien-Eggebeen-Gerst Chapel 3980 Cascade Rd. SE Grand Rapids. Memorial contributions may be given to the cancer society of your choice.
