Hugh Van Tol

James Van Tol passed away on October 16, 2021. He was born May 20, 1944 in Flint, the youngest of four sons, to Andrew and Elsie (Knack) Van Tol. Hugh graduated from St. Mary High School in Mt. Morris and soon after, married the love of his life, Barbara Palmer in 1963. They would go on to share almost 60 wonderful years together; filling their home with love and laughter as theirs was the destination for all holiday celebrations and summer fun.

He retired from Buick Motor Company in 1994 after 30 years of service. A very hard worker who couldn't rest after retirement, Hugh became an entrepreneur of many creative talents. He built the arbors that line the Veterans Memorial in Clio, designed and welded many trailers from scratch (many are still in use to this day, after over 25 years!), and was a staple at art shows for his beautiful stone birdhouses and mailboxes. He also chased around his grandkids, who he absolutely adored.

He will be remembered for many attributes but what stuck out about Hugh most was his incredible charm and witty humor. His stories are legendary.

Surviving are: wife, Barbara of Flushing; daughter, Debra Newman; son, Michael (Anne Marie) Van Tol; five grandchildren, Casey (Cordell), Samantha (Ross), Alex (Lydia), Chloe, and Jason;great-grandchildren, Braylen and Rowan; brother, Robert Van Tol. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Donald and Vincent.

A funeral service will be held 11 AM Friday, October 22, 2021 at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 1209 Coutant St., Flushing, MI 48433 with Pastor Bob Riggs officiating. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery in Clio. Visitation will be held 12-2 and 4-7 PM Thursday at Sharp Funeral Homes, Miller Road Chapel, 8138 Miller Rd., Swartz Creek, MI 48473 and 10 AM - 11 AM Friday at the church. The family encourages those in attendance to follow Covid 19 protocols of wearing masks and social distancing. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association or Holy Cross Lutheran Church.

Tributes may be shared at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com.