Gordon Arthur Briggs M.D.'s Obituary
Gordon Arthur Briggs MD, affectionately known as "Doc," was taken home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on July 18, 2017. Gordon was born on July 28, 1928 in Ferndale, the son of Harold A. and Della (Murdick) Briggs and graduated from Romeo High School in 1946. Gordon loved agriculture and served as State President of the Michigan FFA during 1946-47. He attended Wayne State University, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in 1953, and on November 22, 1952, married the love of his life Carol Weppler.
While operating a farm in Mayville, Gordon decided to further his education from the University of Michigan where he earned his Medical Doctorate in 1964. Gordon continued to pursue his love of farming while operating a Family Practice in Hemlock and serving as an Emergency Room Physician for St. Luke’s Hospital in Saginaw.
Gordon and Carol decided to move their family and farm to Scottville in 1977 operating what has become known as Briggs Heifer Haven Farms with his sons and grandsons, and also continued his medical practice in Saginaw. In 1985 he left St. Luke’s and served as an Emergency Room Physician for Memorial Medical Center in Ludington.
Gordon was a loving and caring husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who was extremely devoted to family. He was a compassionate doctor and dedicated farmer whose life has affected countless lives.
Gordon will be greatly missed by his beloved wife of 64 years, Carol; his five sons Gordon Briggs and wife Sue of Scottville, Pastor Dale Briggs and wife Kathy of Tucson, AZ, John Briggs MD and wife Susie of Fremont, Greg Briggs of Scottville, Scott Briggs and wife Jeanene also of Scottville, and his daughter Joy Assaad MD and husband Haney Assaad MD of Muskegon. Gordon will also be missed by 23 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, his sister Betty Kellog and husband Elmer of McMillan, MI, and many other nieces, nephews and cousins.
Dad and grandpa will be greatly and deeply missed by us all, yet we rejoice that He is with the Lord. We grieve, but not as those who do not have hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).
Funeral services will be held for Gordon at 12:30 pm on Thursday, August 3rd at Mason County Reformed Church in Scottville with his son, Pastor Dale Briggs officiating. Burial will take place at Brookside Cemetery in Scottville. Friends may meet with the family for a time of visitation on Wednesday evening, August 2nd from 6:00 – 9:00 pm at Wyman Funeral & Cremation Services – Stephens Funeral Home in Scottville, and on Thursday from 11:30 am until time of services at the church. Those who wish to remember Dr. Briggs with a memorial donation are asked to consider Cornerstone Baptist Church in Ludington, or the Glen Memorial Baptist Church Building Fund in St. Ignace.
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