OBITUARY HARRINGTON M. CUMMINGS

    Harrington Monroe Cummings ('Pete') died August 9, 2008 surrounded by his family at his home in Petoskey, Michigan.  He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Gay, and their four children:  Andy of Fremont, MI, Elizabeth Flaherty of New Paltz, NY, Sam of Grand Rapids, MI and Mimi, also of Grand Rapids.  He also had eight grandchildren and is also survived by his brother Dr. Charles William Cummings of Baltimore, MD.

    He was born March 10, 1930 in Boston and was graduated from Phillips Exeter Academy in 1947. He earned an MBA from Harvard Business School in 1953.  From 1954 to 1974 he was employed by Gerber Products Compnay.  His final assignment with Gerber was as vice president in charge of corporate development, responsible for new products and acquisitions.

     From 1974 to 1994 he served as a director at Gerber and also a director of the Old State Bank of Fremont.  He was an investor and partner in a number of private firms.  From 1974 to 1981 he was owner and manager of the Cummings Farm, raising and selling Polled Hereford cattle for the national market. The Cummings also had a winter home in Key Largo, Florida.  Pete was passionate about what he felt was his personal responsibility to others.  He gave of his time and resources generously and was involved with many charities and professional organizations including the Michigan Council for the Arts, Grand Rapids Symphony Orchestra, John Ball Zoological Society, Michigan Polled Hereford Association, American Polled Hereford Association, Fremont Rotary Club, Ocean Reef Art League, Ocean Reef Chapel, Card Sound Sailing Club, and the Crooked Tree Arts Center.  He was most fond of volunteering at the emergency room of Northern Michigan Regional Hospital.