Brian D. Chimel, age 52, of Scottville passed away Tuesday, November 7th, 2017. He was born May 11th, 1965 in Ludington to Vern and Marion (Pfefferle) Chimel.
Brian lived life to the fullest. He was always there for family and friends and was a father figure to everyone around him. Brian was a genuine person with a heart of gold. He enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson, snowmobiling, fishing, hunting, collecting antiques, classic rock and anything to do with being outdoors. Anyone that knew Brian knew one of his true passions was working on stuff in the garage. Brian would always say “as long as it’s not a Ford” He could make something out of nothing and fabricate anything you could imagine. He loved restoring vehicles and putting his personal and unique touch on everything he did. He also loved to teach his grandsons Donnie and Jonathan how to work on stuff. They would spend hours in the garage with Brian and loved every minute.
Brian worked at Indian Summer (Fruit Packers) for over 30 years and became very close to the Hackert Family. He was their head mechanic and fabricator. Brian fabricated and built many of the production lines and helped with the expansion at the plant. The Hackert family sent Brian to Switzerland to learn how to repair the Bucher Press. It was the only time Brian had traveled or been on a plane. It was an experience he never forgot and he loved to talk about it.
Brian was married to the love of his life Sue (Irene), they were together for over 30 years. They enjoyed doing everything together but most of all loved spending time with family. Sue (Irene) preceded him in death on January 25th, 2017.
Brian was fortunate enough to find love again with a very special person, Becky Mathews-Stickney. They enjoyed many weekends away camping with Becky’s son Trevor and spending time together as a family. They were inseparable.
Brian also loved his cat Harley (who passed) and dog Buddy who is now at his forever home with Becky and Trevor.
Brian will be forever missed by his siblings: Gary Chimel of Scottville and Sheri Chimel of Wisconsin; Stepchildren: Jamie (Shawn) Wehner and Steve (Lisa) Lange; Sister in Law: Pamela Chimel; Grandchildren: Donnie, Jonathan, Logan, Ty, Amari, Emilie, Alexis; Nieces and Nephews: Leroy, Vern, Roger, Molly, Krystal, Drew Amstutz and Gary (Pon) Hiller.
Besides his parents and wife Brian was preceded in death by his brother: Rick Chimel, and nephews: Christopher and Michael Chimel.
A memorial gathering will be held Friday, November 17th, 2017 from 4-6 p.m. at Oak Grove Funeral Home in Ludington. Memorial contributions in Brian’s name may be directed to the family.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Oak Grove Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Ludington.