Herbert Eldean

Herbert Eldean, age 80, of Macatawa, unexpectedly passed away Monday, May 9, 2022, at Eldean Shipyard.

Herb was a life-long boater, sailor, gardener, builder, developer, and entrepreneur. A loving father and grandfather, he encouraged his children and grandchildren to pursue their interests. Herb grew up on the waterfront in Chicago where his father founded Monroe Street Harbor. At 8 years old, Herb might be found catching and selling perch off the pier; at 10 years old, he was sailing and racing Penguins at the Chicago Yacht Club; and by 12 years old, he was running the water taxi and launch service. At age 18, Herb helped turn the Chicago River green for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, and at age 24, Herb was appointed Federal Harbormaster for Monroe Street Harbor. At 25, Herb was awarded a Certificate of Merit by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary in appreciation of his many rescues of life and property in the Monroe Street Harbor (This was the first time a non-member of the auxiliary was given this award). In college, Herb would raise additional tuition funds at the pool hall. After graduating from Northern Illinois University with a degree in accounting, he and his wife, Pat, moved to Macatawa in 1973 and purchased the marina with his brother, Roger, and founded Eldean Shipyard & Yacht Sales. In 1995, Eldean Shipyard was internationally recognized by winning the inaugural “Marina of the Year” award. In 1985, Herb and Pat opened the Sandpiper Restaurant (later redeveloped into the Piper) and Pat operated the restaurant until her retirement in 2015.

Herb was a huge proponent of education and learning and was still active with his alma mater, Northern Illinois University, where he had been recognized both as one of the School of Business Distinguished Alumni and received the Distinguished Alumnus Award from the Phi Sigma Kappa National Fraternity. Herb served on the Board of Directors of the Northern Illinois University Foundation and was a member of the College of Business – Board of Executive Advisors. Herb established the first endowment fund for the College of Business. Herb also served as Vice President on the Holland School Board. He was an enthusiastic supporter of the Outdoor Discovery Center and the formation of the Patricia Eldean Preschool there.

Herb was also a sailboat racer, Commodore at the Macatawa Bay Yacht Club, and was inducted into the Michigan Boating Industry Hall of Fame. He enjoyed fishing, reading, traveling with family and friends, & skiing in Snowmass Colorado.

Herb is survived by his: