Courtney A. Lecklider

Cort was an extraordinary man. Aside from his accomplished life, he had an outstanding personality. He was a magnet to anyone who crossed his path. His bright blue eyes twinkled, and his infectious smile was always on display. He was a friend to everyone, no matter who they were. He had a warm and genuine interest in others and instantly set people at ease. Cort had an unwavering positive and optimistic attitude. He was a continual source of contagious joy and laughter. He was generous, supportive, patient, kind, caring, complimentary, grateful, funny and incredibly loving. He had an impact on so many lives. Anyone who knew him was blessed. Cort was a remarkable husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Sandy, with whom he had a model marriage and real love affair; his two daughters, Wendy (John) and Susie (Randy), and his grandchildren, Stephanie (Jamey), Courtney (Ben), Mitchell, and Josie (Sawyer) for whom he was a true rock and patriarch; and his great grandchildren, Quinn, Clare, Griffin, Perry, Noah, and the baby due in April. He was born in Detroit at Harper Hospital on October 13,1932. He graduated from Grosse Pointe High School, where he was active in athletics and student affairs. In 1951, he entered Michigan State University and joined Phi Delta Theta fraternity. He was president of the Interfraternity Council and a member of the Blue Key Honor Society. Upon graduation, he was commissioned as an officer in the Adjutant General branch of the US Army. He was on the Fifth Army tennis team and ruled the ping pong table. After the military, he joined Kaiser Aluminum as a sales representative calling on the automobile industry in Detroit. In 1966, Cort joined Goodbody and Company brokerage firm and later Merrill Lynch, where he became Vice President. After a successful career, Cort retired at age 55, allowing he and Sandy to travel the world, backpacking and cruising to over 80 countries. When they weren’t on an adventure, they were enthusiastically cheering their grandchildren on to victory at their sporting events. They were avid tennis players too, winning a mixed-doubles bronze medal in the World Senior Games. Cort loved his summers at the cottage in Macatawa Michigan, a special place that is an anchor for the entire family. He served on the Macatawa Cottagers’ Association Board. Cort and Sandy have spent their winters in Vero Beach, Florida, where Cort pursued his passion for tennis and golf. Even though he often humbly commented that both were a work in progress, he was always coming home with a trophy or money in his pocket. Cort was blessed with a long and happy life, with his priorities right. Family over anything else, experiences over material things, and the MSU Spartans over any other team. He passed away peacefully at home on November 12, 2024, surrounded by his family. A celebration of life will be held at 12:30 p.m. Thursday, June 19, 2025, at Grace Episcopal Church, 555 Michigan Ave. Holland. A time of visitation and fellowship will be held from 2-4 p.m. Thursday following the service at Macatawa Bay Yacht Club, 2157 South Shore Dr., Macatawa, MI 49434. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice at The VNA Foundation, 930 37th Street, Suite 101, Vero Beach, Florida 32960.

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Courtney A. Lecklider

October 13, 1932 - November 12, 2024