Sidney Lewis Weaver

A long-time Kalamazoo, and then Richland resident, Sid was born on February 23rd, 1947 to Don and Helen Weaver in Pontiac, Michigan. Sid passed away on Saturday, December 21st at Rose Arbor Hospice, with his family by his side.

He was preceded in death by his parents Donald and Helen. He leaves behind his wife, Jayne, sons Jeff (Lynne) Weaver of Mattawan, MI and Ryan (Paula) Weaver of Appleton, WI, and daughter Karrie (Jamie) Kemery of Kalamazoo, MI, as well as his dog Molly. He also leaves behind his grandchildren Brendan Kemery, Alyson 'the loser' Kemery (a nickname she will forever cherish), Alex Weaver, Brian Weaver, Seth Weaver and Sienna Weaver.

Sid graduated from Loy Norrix High School and Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo. He married Jayne, his high school sweetheart, on February 18, 1966. He began his career in social work in 1969 as a youth worker in Kalamazoo, then continued his work with teens with a specialized caseload in Calhoun County. In 1972, he returned to Kalamazoo to become one of the few Directors of Residential Care Centers in the State of Michigan. It was here that he met some of his closest friends that he carried through the years. He retired 30 years later in 2002. Sid then spent a year working with youth in a special probation program for Kalamazoo County. Then, starting in 2003 until his second retirement in 2010, Sid worked with teens in an independent living program operated by Holy Cross Children's Services in Kalamazoo.

At home, Sid relished in the competitive spirit with family and friends in Wallyball, Pickleball, and Racquetball, forever maintaining the Racquetball crown over sons Ryan and Jeff. Sid enjoyed time spent outdoors, in all seasons. He loved road and mountain biking, skiing, walking and spending time at the family cottage at Crooked Lake, Delton. The cottage provided opportunities for relaxing on the porch and spending time on his pontoon with family and friends, something he loved. He also enjoyed spending time in his yard, working with Jayne to build beautiful gardens, both at home and at the cottage.

Sid enjoyed music and spent many years pursuing his musical interests. He was a member of the Loy Norrix High School choir, under the direction of Thomas Kasdorf. There, he enjoyed participation in many choral performances and musicals. It was also there that he met Jayne, with whom he enjoyed 53 years of marriage. After high school, he followed his love of singing (also under the wonderful directing of Tom Kasdorf) by joining the Kalamazoo Singers, where he enjoyed 26 years of membership.

Sid had a wonderful circle of friends. He met a group of men at Loy Norrix high school, through football, basketball and choir, and carried those friendships through the years. Those men, as well as the friends he added to his circle through his work with the state, provided a special and unique support system for Sid, and his family, especially during his illness. His sense of humor was shared by all, including his family. It was something that made him so special. He had a special way of providing support and kindness, with a twist of humor that helped put people at ease.

Sid had a very special relationship with his grandson, Brendan. He provided constant support, love and laughter as his family traveled the journey of autism. It is a journey that Sid knew would last past his lifetime, and that of Karrie, Jeff and Ryan. He asked that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to a trust fund to help with his 'little big guy' later in life. The trust fund is through MIABLE (information below).

A Memorial Gathering will be held from 4 PM to 7 PM on Thursday, December 26, 2019, at Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial & Cremation Services, 3926 S 9th St, Kalamazoo, MI 49009. A Memorial Service for Sid will be held at 11 AM on Friday, December 27th, at First Congregational UCC, 345 West Michigan Avenue, Kalamazoo, with Rev. Nathan Dannison officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be directed to MIABLE, checks made payable to MIABLE with the Memo Line: Benefit Brendan Kemery, mailed to Langeland Family Funeral Home, 3926 S 9th St, Kalamazoo, MI 49009 or given at visitation. Please visit Sidney's webpage for directions, online guest book or to leave a condolence. https://www.langelands.com