Meet the Barclay Family: A Life Anchored in Commuity and Adventure!
This was another wonderful family nominated by our Assistant Publisher, Jennifer Brewster. Jen has a strong pulse on the community and works for the school system while juggling being the devoted mother of three boys of her own. She brought the Barclays to our attention and Mom Angie was quick to get the moving parts set in motion. We met them on a bone-chilling Saturday afternoon before Christmas to take these gorgeous photos right outside their backyard by the pond, well I considered it to be a beautiful inland lake rather.
“It used to be a gravel pit until a development company came along with a vision to fill it with water, stock it with plenty of bass, blue gill, and catfish, and surround it with nice homes with plenty of trees in the backdrop,” Jerad tells Stroll Spring Lake.
Nestled in the charming community of Nunica, the Barclay family thrives in a life full of outdoor adventures, family traditions, and active pursuits. For Jerad and Angie Barclay, raising their three boys in this idyllic lake setting has been nothing short of a dream.
Jerad and Angie: A Lifelong Partnership
Jerad and Angie’s story began at Central Michigan University, where a chance meeting brought together a Harbor Beach native from Michigan’s Thumb and a Muskegon local. Their shared love for live music, travel (especially to Anna Maria Island, Florida), and a strong work ethic became the foundation for an 18-year marriage. Today, they juggle fulfilling careers—Jerad in information technology at BDO USA in Grand Rapids and Angie in cardiac rehabilitation at Trinity Health in Muskegon—while making time to unwind together on the water and in the kitchen.
Jerad and Angie’s story began at Central Michigan University, where a chance meeting brought together a Harbor Beach native from Michigan’s Thumb and a Muskegon local. Their shared love for live music, travel (especially to Anna Maria Island, Florida), and a strong work ethic became the foundation for an 18-year marriage. Today, they juggle fulfilling careers—Jerad in information technology at BDO USA in Grand Rapids and Angie in cardiac rehabilitation at Trinity Health in Muskegon—while making time to unwind together on the water and in the kitchen.
“Our tastes have blended so much over the years,” Angie shares. “We often find ourselves unknowingly matching outfits or sharing the same love for food and drinks. We even keep each other updated on the latest Detroit Lions lineup!”
Three Boys, Endless Energy
The Barclay boys—Cole, Quinn, and Shane—are the heartbeat of this family. Each is carving out his own path while sharing a love for sports, academics, and the water.
The Barclay boys—Cole, Quinn, and Shane—are the heartbeat of this family. Each is carving out his own path while sharing a love for sports, academics, and the water.
- Cole, a sophomore at Spring Lake High School, is passionate about football while excelling in competitive swimming and track.
- Quinn, a freshman, divides his time between swimming and pole vaulting. An artistic spirit, he creates intricate works in various media, including his own handcrafted fishing lures.
- Shane, a fifth grader, is exploring percussion in his school band while continuing piano lessons at Everyday Music. He’s also an avid soccer player with the Lakeshore Soccer Club.
- All three boys are part of Michigan Lakeshore Aquatics (MLA) in Holland, honing their swim skills to prepare for high school seasons.
Family and Community at the Core
The Barclays are dedicated members of Saint Mary’s Catholic Church, where they find strength in faith and community. Their home, built on a pond in 2015, serves as a haven for family activities like fishing, ice skating, and wakeboarding.
The Barclays are dedicated members of Saint Mary’s Catholic Church, where they find strength in faith and community. Their home, built on a pond in 2015, serves as a haven for family activities like fishing, ice skating, and wakeboarding.
Their American Water Spaniel, Kona, completes the family dynamic. When she’s not snuggling with the boys, Kona can be found hunting fish or swimming in the pond—a fitting pastime for this water-loving clan.
Family Fun and Football Fever
Weekends in the Barclay household often revolve around football, whether it’s cheering for the Detroit Lions or competing in their family fantasy football league. Jerad, a four-time champion in his long-standing friend league, has passed his passion for the game down to his boys. Even Kona joins the excitement, gnawing on a bone to ease her “sports anxiety.”
Weekends in the Barclay household often revolve around football, whether it’s cheering for the Detroit Lions or competing in their family fantasy football league. Jerad, a four-time champion in his long-standing friend league, has passed his passion for the game down to his boys. Even Kona joins the excitement, gnawing on a bone to ease her “sports anxiety.”
Gratitude for Spring Lake
The Barclays cherish their decision to move closer to the Lakeshore nearly a decade ago. They appreciate the Spring Lake community for its outstanding schools, welcoming neighbors, and abundant outdoor opportunities.
The Barclays cherish their decision to move closer to the Lakeshore nearly a decade ago. They appreciate the Spring Lake community for its outstanding schools, welcoming neighbors, and abundant outdoor opportunities.
“We’ve been amazed by the incredible education our boys have received at Spring Lake Schools,” Angie notes. “The teachers have inspired their love for math, science, and engineering, and it’s been wonderful to see them thrive.”
Although freezing their rear ends off seated on this canoe, it serves as a particular family heirloom and holds a good amount of significance. "The canoe was from The Cole Family, my maiden last name is Cole- hence our oldest son's name," Angie shares with us. "My great-grandpa passed it on to my Papa to use at their cottage on Lake George, Indiana before he sold the home and moved to Anna Maria, FL. It then went to my Dad who brought it up to Michigan, and now to us here in Nunica! The canoe is from 1953 and still provides great use -especially to fish in. It's survived quite a bit!"