Derek A. Holmes' Obituary
Derek A. Holmes, born May 7, 1996, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, July 21, 2023 at the age of 27. Derek attended Spring Lake High School where he excelled academically, graduating in the top percentage of his class and was a Senior Scholar. He continued his educational career in the Honors Program at Grand Valley State University and double majored in geology and writing. Derek recently started working at Soils & Structures and absolutely loved using his geology degree as a soil tester. Derek’s passion for learning meant he could often be found reading or writing a poem or fantasy novels. He also enjoyed hiking, appreciating the natural beauty of the land and rocks, gaming, and playing Warhammer 40K. He had a strong faith that was rooted in traditional moral values, and he was well-known as a man who always kept his word. Derek’s kind heart and gentle soul will forever be remembered by his parents, Matthew and Amanda; siblings, Dylan, Dayton, and Irelynn Holmes; grandparents, Terri Cummins and David (Mary) DeForest; “Uncle” Wesley Schippers; and beloved dogs, Toby and Sookie. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Thomas and Patricia Holmes and uncle, Kyle DeForest. A Funeral Service will be held 3:00PM, Saturday, July 29 at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444. Visitation will be Friday, July 28 from 6:00 – 8:00PM. Memorial contributions directed to the family would be appreciated in lieu of flowers. Please feel free to share a memory or story with the family online at www.sytsemafh.com.
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