Dr. Almon Schut

SCHUT, Dr. Almon Lee "Al" A respected ophthalmologist and loved husband, father and grandfather, Dr. Al Schut, 82, of Kalamazoo, passed away June 25, 2010. He was born May 22, 1928 in Hudsonville, MI. He graduated from Sparta High School in 1946 and from Calvin College in 1950. After a two-year stint in the Army, Dr. Schut received his medical degree from the University of Michigan Medical School in 1956 and went on to complete his residency in Ophthalmology at the Indiana University School of Medicine. Dr. Schut joined the Bronson Methodist Hospital medical staff in 1960. With colleagues, he founded Kalamazoo Ophthalmology, PC, in 1972. He also worked in research with the Upjohn Company, taught at Western Michigan University and worked with the Rehabilitation Center for the Blind. Throughout his career, Dr. Schut brought medical and surgical expertise, innovation, compassion and humor to the healing art of ophthalmology, caring for generations of families. He retired in 2004. Al would tell you he lived a wonderful life. He loved his family and loved his work. Over the years, Al was involved in many civic organizations, including the Rotary and as president of the Kalamazoo Academy of Medicine. Al was a member of First Presbyterian Church, serving as youth teacher, elder and trustee. He skied in Colorado and Utah, walked the beaches in Tahiti and Cancun, enjoyed many cruises and visited numerous countries, but was most at home when away from home at their Ft. Lauderdale condo. He loved the boating and sailing days at Gull Lake during the 25 years they called the lake home. A voracious reader, Al treasured his daily newspapers, crosswords and the latest best sellers, and was always ready to discuss the issues at hand. He loved a good party and his friends will tell you that "in the day" he and Ev hosted the best ones. Al is survived by his wife of 55 years, Evelyn Mae LaVine Schut; his children, David Michael Suzanne Schut of Farmington Hills, Daniel Drew Shari Schut of Kalamazoo, and Susan Kay Schut of Burlington, NC; his brother, LaVerne Sharon Schut of Sparta; and many cousins, nieces and nephews. He was a loving and proud grandpa to Katie, Morgan, Jacob and Evan. He was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd and Lucille Schut. Friends and family may visit with the family on Tuesday, June 29th from 2-4pm and 6-8pm at the Langeland Family Funeral Home, Westside Chapel, 3926 S. 9th Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49009. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, June 30th at 4pm at the First Presbyterian Church. Memorial contributions may be made to Borgess Gardens, 3057 Gull Road, Kalamazoo, 49048; or First Presbyterian Church, 321 West South Street, Kalamazoo, 49007.