Charles Ponsford Lapham

Charles P. Lapham

Age 87, a lifelong resident of Northville, passed away September 12, 2021 surrounded by his family. He was born September 22, 1933 in Northville, Michigan; son of Maurice J. and Mary E. (nee Ponsford) Lapham.  He graduated from Northville High School; Class of 1952. Charles proudly served in the United States Army during the Korean War. He was united in marriage to Maxine V. Clark on February 5, 1955; they spent over 66 years devoted to one another.

Prior to joining the family business, Charles worked for Zayti Trucking as a mechanic and truck driver. Charles was a true entrepreneur and found great success throughout his life while supporting the Northville community he loved so dearly.  In 1910, his grandfather began a shop called Ponsford’s, a business that flourished and eventually became Lapham’s Men’s Shop which sold specialty menswear and tailored suits.  He was a forerunner in developing the athletic fit men’s suit. The shop closed in 1994 giving him the opportunity to concentrate on many other endeavors.  He was instrumental in getting the Comerica walk thru on Main Street, he was a staunch supporter of the Mill Race and Tipping Point Theater.  Among the multiple buildings he owned in downtown Northville, his latest acquisition was the Marquis Theater which he hoped to restore it to its former glory and keeping the history of Northville alive. He was also the owner of Estate Storage on Novi Road.

Charles was a devoted member of First Presbyterian Church of Northville since he was a young man.  He was very active at the church and supported many of its programs. Charles served on the Northville City Council from 1967-1971. He was a member of the Northville Driving Club at Northville Downs for many years. He loved to fly and purchased his first airplane in 1959.  Throughout his life he had many personal aircrafts that seated two to four people. He often made the flight from Northville to Elk Lake to spend time at his cottage relaxing and working on the property.  He also had an affinity for boats and liked to drive fast and give fun rides to family and friends.

Charles is survived by his beloved wife, Maxine; his children, Terry (Bart) Taylor and Scott Lapham; his brother Jim (Kathy) Lapham; his grandchildren, Jennifer (Matthew) Huntt, Brandon (Kim) Bueter, Brett (Jenn) Bueter, and Ryan Lapham; and his great grandchildren, Charlie and Trevor Huntt, June and Luke Bueter, Madeline Bueter, and Harper Lapham. He was preceded in death by his parents and his grandson Austin Lapham.

A memorial service will be held Sunday, October 17 at 3pm at the First Presbyterian Church of Northville, 200 East Main Street. Rev. Jacqueline Spycher will officiate the service. He will be laid to rest in the Columbarium of his beloved church.

In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate memorial contributions to the Northville Community Support Fund, 41700 West Six Mile Road, Suite 101, Northville, MI 48168 or the First Presbyterian Church, 200 East Main Street, Northville, MI 48167.