Gary Wayne Ten Brink, Sr.'s Obituary
Gary Wayne Ten Brink Sr., age 68, of Robinson Township passed into Heaven February 20, 2009. There he reunited with his first wife, Joyce, his mother, Eloise, and his father, William. Also there to greet him was his sister, Georgia Louise, and loving nephews Craig and Clinton Ten Brink. Many aunts and uncles reunited with Gary in Heaven. Gary accepted Jesus as his savior when he was just a young man. He always had a very giving and kind heart.
Gary is survived by his loving son, Gary, and his daughter-in-law, Leslie; three loving daughters: Debra of Tennessee, Teresa of Grand Haven, and Corrine of Newaygo; and his step-daughters Kerin and Kelli VanderWall of Allendale. Kelli was a great help to her father as his health declined and we are thankful to her.
Gary also leaves behind his beloved grandchildren: Danielle, Brodey, Abbey, Sarah, Jackie, Korie, Taylor, Lukas, Levi, Logan, Kenni and Kellahan. Also, four great-grandchildren survive him: Little Joe, Tristan, Ethan, and River.
Also surviving Gary are his two older brothers, Bill and Jerry; his three younger sisters: Darlene, Barbara and Karen; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins whom he loved dearly.
Gary was born in October of 1940 to Eloise Pierson and William Ten Brink. He was the third son born to them. Gary was known for his delightful sense of humor. As long as he was around, you would be laughing about something he said or did. Gary was a welder by trade and in 1976 he worked the Alaskan Pipeline. He was a member of Local 190. He enjoyed the rodeos along with his sister Karen. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed farming. Before his health failed him he had the most beautiful garden around. He loved playing cards and was quite the poker and cribbage player. He was an avid lover of the Civil War. His collection of books and magazines extend through the years. Some of the kids’ greatest memories are of Gary teaching them to water-ski on the Grand River.
Gary was very loved and will be missed by his family and friends. He fought a valiant battle and survived when doctors said he would not. Finally, he is at rest and free from pain. And without a doubt he can breath now.
The service for Gary will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, February 27, 2009, at Resurrection Life Church in Grandville with Rev. Dean Wheeler officiating. Friends may meet the family 5-8 p.m. on Thursday, February 26, at VanZantwick Bartels Kammeraad Funeral Home in Grand Haven. Interment will be at Robinson Township Cemetery. Memorials to Resurrection Life Church in Grandville are appreciated. Share memories with the family at their online guest book at www.vbkfuneralhome.com.
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