Alfred Charles Fuller Jr.

07/07/51 – 03/07/15

Blessed with gratitude and acceptance and surrounded by family, Al passed away at home on Saturday, March 7, 2015. Known to his immediate family and childhood friends as “Butch,” he was a friend to all and was loved by many.  After a courageous and lengthy battle with illness he died as he had lived, with a quiet and considerable sense of strength.

Al is survived by his devoted wife of 38 years Linda; sisters, Loretta (Steve) Spinrad and Alice (Ken) Jehle; sisters-in-law, Mary (Tom) Bradley and Nancy (Randy) Erridge; and stepsister, Pat (Jack) Ruzgis. He is also survived by his loving father and mother-in-law, Richard and Lydia Pfister, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Al was born and lived in Lansing his entire life and was proud of that fact. He managed a number of local retail establishments but most notably owned and operated Fuller’s Fish and Seafood in the Colonial Village Shopping Center for 20 years. Later in his career he worked at the Oak Park YMCA while patiently waiting for his wife to retire from teaching.

Al especially loved boating, camping, picnicking, fishing and all sports. He shared these passions with many others in the family. He was an enthusiastic observer of his nephews’ sporting events in the rain, snow, sleet and cold often traveling across the state to do so and he spent countless hours pulling children behind his boat on multiple water toys. He especially enjoyed Michigan’s northern backcountry and loved to explore the Sapphire Lake, Houghton Lake, Ludington and Gun Lake forest areas with his wife.

Al touched many lives and hearts in his 63 years. He was known for being especially gentle, considerate and respectful and was a very good listener who was loved by all who knew him. Family members cherish warm memories of Al and are grateful for his legacy of love, goodness, patience and acceptance. To keep this spirit alive, the family requests that you perform a random act of kindness in his memory. Al enjoyed the simple things in life, so plant a living thing, make time for family or perhaps do something for a child.

Al was preceded in death by his parents, Loretta and Bob Atmore Sr. and Alfred Fuller Sr., and stepbrother Bob Atmore Jr.

The family offers its heartfelt thanks to Sparrow Home Hospice with special recognition to Terri, Casey, Mary and Tom. Also, special thanks to Drs. Melvin, Thakur and Linz who kept him going for so many years despite his significant health challenges.

At Al’s request, a private family memorial is being planned. Those wishing to honor his memory with a contribution can do so to Sparrow Home Hospice, the Multiple Sclerosis Society (Lansing Chapter) or Meals-On-Wheels. Online condolences for the family may be left at www.EstesLeadley.com

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6 Messages to “Alfred Charles Fuller Jr.

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Loretta Spinrad
March 9, 2015 at 10:41 pm

My brother was the most gentle person I have every known. We have always shared a special bond which can only be found between a brother and sister. I will miss him deeply and hope he has found the peace he so rightfully deserves.

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Nancy Erridge
March 10, 2015 at 11:49 am

My brother-in-law, Al, was a dear friend of mine. From the time he started dating my sister, he always reached out to me and treated me special. I remember he would take me and a friend on Linda and his dates. He would take us out to a show or let me “puppy sit” for his dogs. He was always interested in hearing what I had to say. As we grew older he became wonderful friend also to my children, taking them boating, camping and they loved watching sports movies together. I couldn’t have asked for a better male role model for my kids. I will miss him dearly and be eternally grateful.

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Dr D Melvin
March 10, 2015 at 12:02 pm

He will be missed.

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Keri (Burtch) Rozansky
March 10, 2015 at 2:00 pm

Mr. Fuller was a good man. Mrs. Fuller was my special ed teacher at Averill and I enjoyed riding my bike up to Fuller’s Fish in Colonial Village to see them and talk to them. Mr. Fuller was my “birthday buddy” and I especially rode up to see him on “our” birthday. He always had time to talk to me and never once told me he was busy when I would come to visit. Although my connection with him ended when Fuller’s Fish closed, I think of him every year on July 7.

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Marty & Linda (Spinrad) Riel
March 11, 2015 at 11:54 am

Our deepest sympathy goes out to your family in this time of sadness and great loss. Our prayers are for God’s loving comfort for you to lean on, your memories of shared good times and resting peace for Alfred.

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Dan Partlow
March 12, 2015 at 7:38 am

Al Fuller was one of the best men and individuals that I have ever encountered. He gave me my first job and it is still the best one I have ever had. The world truly lost a great person and he will be missed by all.

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