Donald “Butch” Grandchamp
HANCOCK – Donald “Butch” Grandchamp, 71, passed away peacefully on October 29, 2015, at his home in Hancock, surrounded by people who loved him.
He was born June 20, 1944, in Hancock, to Emma (nee Davis) and George Grandchamp. Butch was the youngest in a family of 11.
Butch is survived by one son, Donald; a granddaughter and grandson of Omer, Michigan; four sisters, Lorraine Tedder of Dade City, Florida, Marcy Suojanen of Stockbridge, Michigan, Barbara (Raymond) Cadrette of St. Clair Shores, Michigan, and Rita (Francis) Ricchi of Lapeer, Michigan; three half brothers, Joe Grandchamp of Cole Camp, Missouri, George Grandchamp of Los Angeles, California, and Jerry Grandchamp of Spring Hill, Florida; and numerous nephews and nieces.
Butch was preceded in death by four sisters, Loretta Hutchinson, Helen Coppo, Patsy Geshel and Charlotte Karpinen; and two brothers, Jimmy Grandchamp and George “Joffee” Grandchamp.
Butch served in the U.S. Army. He spent most of his life living and working as a general laborer near Standish, Michigan. He eventually returned to the Copper Country to live.
Butch enjoyed hunting during his younger years, motorcycling and socializing with friends and “a few” beers. He was a fan of “Smurfs” and his round belly and big beard earned him the nickname of “Papa Smurf” when he was motorcycling. He even had a tattoo of a Smurf on his arm. Burch was always an animal lover and appreciated visits from his neighbors at the Scott Building and their dog, Mr. Magoo.
The family would like to express their appreciation to Portage Home Services for the wonderful care Butch received during the last four years, in particular to Director, Michelle Donahue and aide, Melissa Couvion for the going above and beyond in their commitment to caring for Butch. Special thanks to Butch’s niece, Gail Ploe, her husband Doug and their family for taking good care of Butch in the last years of his life.
At Butch’s request, cremation has taken place. Private services and a celebration of his life will be held in the summer of 2016.
Arrangements are being handled by the Jukuri-Antila Funeral Home of Hancock, Antila Funeral Service, Inc.
Online condolences may be expressed to the family at antilafuneral.com