Rev. Richard John Hamstra's Obituary
Rev. Richard John Hamstra, age 66, of Norton Shores, passed away into the arms of Jesus Saturday, May 15, 2021 after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born January 28, 1955 in Rensselaer, Indiana to Gerben and Rose (Walstra) Hamstra. On June 18, 1977 he married Sue Bandstra in Grand Rapids.
Rich was a pastor in the Christian Reformed Church, serving congregations in Grand Rapids, Columbus, Grand Haven, and Newaygo. He was grateful for the tremendous gift of God’s grace.
Rich loved history, theology, teaching, encouraging people to think, and supporting issues of social justice. Always active, he enjoyed fly fishing, woodworking, travel, and time with family.
He is survived by his wife, Sue, three sons: Philip (Kara) Hamstra, Joel (Annie) Hamstra, and Daniel Hamstra; two grandchildren, Ryker and Lincoln, and three more on the way! He also is survived by three siblings: Anna Mae (John) Heerema, Eileen (Jim) Toppen, Albert (Mindy) Hamstra; in-laws: Ken (Judy) Ooms, Nancy (Dick) Stob, Mary (Bob) Ippel, Barry Newman, and Ruth VanGrouw Bandstra; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gerben and Rose; sister, Norma Ooms; parents-in-law, Andrew and Mae Bandstra; sisters-in-law, Barbara Newman, and Ruth Bandstra.
A visitation to celebrate Rich’s life will be held 4-7 PM Friday, May 21, 2021 at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey Street, Norton Shores, MI 49444, outside under the south portico. A private family service will take place at Neland Avenue Christian Reformed Church where Rich was ordained in 1983, Dr. Steven Timmermans, Rev. Carl Kammeraad, and Rev. Cindy De Jong officiating. Interment will take place in Woodland Memorial Cemetery. Memorial Contributions in memory of Rev. Richard Hamstra may be given to the Andrew J. Bandstra Scholarship Fund, C/O Calvin Theological Seminary, 3233 Burton, SE Grand Rapids, MI 49546, or Muskegon County Habitat for Humanity. Please sign the family’s online guestbook at http://www.sytsemafh.com.
What’s your fondest memory of Richard?
What’s a lesson you learned from Richard?
Share a story where Richard's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Richard you’ll never forget.
How did Richard make you smile?
