Chip Cree

Chip Cree was a deeply kind and compassionate person. Genuine as well as generous, he was quick to share his time and resources with anyone in need. He loved all people and was always looking for ways to encourage others and support the family he loved. There is no doubt he will forever be missed by his many special friends and loved ones.

His story began in the year 1959 which was a significant time for our nation. Alaska and Hawaii joined the Union as our 49th and 50th States, the Boeing 707 Jet Airliner came into service, and Barbie Dolls made their debut! During this exciting time, Rodger and Ruby Cree were pleased to announce the birth of their third of four children, Roger Gordon, on October 26th, in Kalamazoo, Michigan. His arrival brought his parents great joy and happiness.

Chip lived a very active childhood. Starting in the small towns of Galesburg and later Fulton, he loved to be outdoors, as well as on any sports field. As a young child, he spent hours on his pony and enjoyed playing baseball and football. Chip also learned to ski and played both baseball and football on his high school team, the Vicksburg Bulldogs. Even during his busy sports season, he made room to play the string bass in the Junior Symphony. He never seemed to slow down and wanted to get the most out of his day. During this time, he was featured in the two-part story of Bil Gilbert’s Sports Illustrated article of 1977 entitled, “That Senior Season” and “In the End, Defeat and Pain”. Vicksburg is a small town and his kids, to this day, still hear about Chip’s athletic successes from that period of his life. After graduating with the Class of 1977, Chip entered the world of work. His days mowing the South Fulton Cemetery grass next door to his house and baling hay were replaced with pumping gas. He then successfully landed with Simpson Paper Company, Fox River Paper Company, and American Axle and Manufacturing. He later commuted to Lansing when he worked for General Motors. Chip had a long, successful career in the manufacturing sector.

Not to be forgotten was the meeting of Jamie Brock in 1984 on a blind date. Chip was hesitant to go out with Jamie so the date was scheduled for a Monday, so it would not spoil the weekend. The two connected instantly and they ended up talking all night. On one of their first dates, he took her up north to go skiing and Jamie became sick. He ended up taking care of her and didn’t mind that they couldn’t ski. Jamie was immediately attracted to his beautiful blue eyes and charming demeanor. Less than six weeks later, they were engaged! The Kalamazoo First United Methodist Church was the perfect setting for their wedding on April 7, 1984. Together they raised two wonderful children, Travis and Samantha, in a caring and loving home.

As parents, they loved doting on their children and filling their days with adventure. Active and involved, Chip was devoted to attending as many of his children’s sporting events as was realistically possible with his busy work schedule. He and Jamie often would pass each other on the road running the kids to their various events. When they had any free time, they enjoyed taking the family on various trips. An annual tradition was skiing at Caberfae in Cadillac. They also booked vacations to Cancun, Disney, SeaWorld, Cedar Point, and Florida. Chip would do anything for his family. One time while cleaning off the snow on the frozen back pond, his tractor broke through the thin ice and fell in the water. He valued family relationships and taught his kids to work hard and play hard. They never questioned his love or support over the years.

In addition to his family, Chip enjoyed several pastimes. He played in a men’s softball league, enjoyed golf, and coached Little League. Chip received his journeyman’s card as a pipefitter. Over the years, he was quite the McGyver as he could fix anything around the family home. He loved to putz around the house and yard. Normally, while singing out loud! Chip loved to sing even while showering. When he wasn’t working on a project in the yard or the shop, he could easily be found on his motorcycle for a ride or shooting the breeze at a local diner around town. Chip also loved to travel. He took multiple bike trips to Tennessee, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, and Maine. A special highlight was a memorable trip to Hawaii for his and Jamie’s 35th wedding anniversary where the family enjoyed a great time. When the summer approached, Chip prepared his boat for the season and loved to cruise with family and friends. He also loved to attend shows at the Barn Theatre and watch Westerns and Blue Bloods. Despite his health challenges, he stayed active.

As much as he loved being a dad, he was elated to serve as Papa to Mae and Liv. Chip treasured their visits and time spent together with his whole family at local baseball games and area parks. He always loved watching the kids' sporting events and introduced them to his favorite concoction called Chip’s Surprise. Chip also most enjoyed a cold bottle of sparkling water, a glass of rootbeer, and a bowl of ice cream. Described as a hard worker and provider for his family, his greatest success was his 40-year marriage to the love of his life, Jamie, along with raising his children Travis and Samantha. Chip wanted nothing more than to share in their many successes and spend time with his grandchildren and the many dogs they had over the years. A man of faith, Chip made many small acts of service and large acts of sacrifice to help anyone in need.

Chip never took a single moment for granted. He had a special way of making people feel loved and valued. His strong work ethic and good-natured personality made him a pleasure to be around. Sadly, he is gone. May his family always treasure the many special memories they shared and may those moments live on in their hearts for generations to come.

Mr. Roger Gordon “Chip” Cree, Jr., of Vicksburg, MI, passed away on June 25, 2024, at the age of 64, after two decades of various health concerns. Chip is survived by his wife of forty years, Jamie; his children: Travis (Kelly) Cree and Samantha Cree; grandchildren: Mae Cree and Liv Cree. He is further survived by his siblings: Michael (Carrie) Cree, Sharon (Gary) Schmidt, and Tami Cree. He is preceded in death by his father, Rodger, and his mother, Ruby.

Cremation has taken place. A Life Story Service will be held at 11 am on Saturday, June 29, 2024, at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900. A reception with food, drinks, and stories will be held immediately following the service in the Life Story Center. The family is grateful to all those who reached out during this difficult time. Celebrate Chip’s life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on his dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to Generous Hands of Vicksburg, MI.