Charles Leonard Dickinson, born September 25, 1931, passed away at Spectrum Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids, MI, July 18, 2006,. Preceding him in death are his parents, Donald H. and Thelma H. Dickinson, and a brother, James Franklin Dickinson. Charlie is survived by his sister Diane (David) Corkill, and his children, Kym (Robert) Zumbrink, Jodi (James) Glas, Tracy Mokma, Sara (Jinny) Dickinson, James Dickinson, Charlee Dickinson, and Thomas Dickinson. Nine grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Born in Holland, Michigan, Charlie was raised and lived in Fennville more than 70 years. After attending Iowa Wesleyan College and Western Michigan University, Charlie joined his parents in the family hardware business in Fennville, Dickinson's Hardware. He spent 35 years working in and growing the business into a successful Main Street establishment. He retired from the hardware in 1981. During his retirement, Charlie was employed by the Fennville Public Schools for l0 years. His latest venture was a video business which he started in 2005, Dickinson's Recreation, in Fennville. Charlie was an avid sports enthusiast and wildlife advocate/hunter and fisherman. He enjoyed sports and was recognized as a high school standout, inducted into the Fennville Hall of Fame in 2006. During the 1970's he sponsored and coached a local baseball team of mostly Fennville athletes. He enjoyed playing basketball well beyond his high school years and for most of his adult life it was his passion. He is known around the state, both upper and lower peninsulas for his generous contribution of giving sports balls to children in many different schools. He understood the power of sports in young people's lives, and was a sports advocate. The gift of balls to entire schools was his way of making sure that kids had a chance to know the joy of the game, and possibly have a positive influence on their lives, as sports were so important to his. Charlie was a member of the NRA, Sons of AMVETS, Fennville Rod & Gun Club, WTF Club and North American Hunting Club. The family has established a memorial fund to benefit athletics, recreation and healthy life-styles of Fennville Public School students. Donations are being accepted to the Charles Dickinson Memorial Fund, Fennville Education Foundation, 2 Memorial Dr., Fennville, MI 49408. Please note on contribution, Charles Dickinson/Fennville Schools Education Foundation Fund.