Thomas E. "Tom" Kanaar's Obituary
Thomas E. “Tom” Kanaar, age 78, passed away Saturday, August 3, 2024. Tom was born June 6,1946 in Muskegon to Robert H. and Zelda M. (Mitchell) Kanaar. He wrestled and played football at Ravenna High School, where he was voted “Most Athletic” of the class of ‘64. Tom worked while taking classes at Muskegon Community College then enlisted in the U.S. Army and served from 1967-69. After returning home from the service, he went to work for East Muskegon Roofing & Sheet Metal. Throughout his 35 year career there, he made many lifelong friends and was highly regarded by coworkers and colleagues. He retired as a Project Manager in 2004.
Tom married Norma Rae Attenberger on June 6, 1970. Amy and Scott came along in 1973 and 1975, respectively. Though he was in his glory being a husband and dad, Tom was determined to finish his degree. While working full time and raising his young family he did just that, graduating with honors from Grand Valley State College in 1979.
Tom was very involved in the community supporting youth soccer, and in the late 1980’s co-founded what became the Fruitport Soccer Club. He was instrumental in soccer becoming a varsity sport at Fruitport High School, which both his children attended.
Tom was a member of First Lutheran Church, where, over the years, he enjoyed being a part of the committee overseeing building projects.
Tom coached countless soccer teams and was as proud of teaching the art of sportsmanship as he was the rules and skills of the game. Over his lifetime he enjoyed motorcycles, hunting, fishing, golf, painting, playing the guitar, home renovation projects, supporting his kids and grandchildren in their various activities, wintering in Florida, the many dogs he and Norma had, and a cold beer or a good martini, always with two olives.
He was a voracious reader and lifelong learner. Tom had a knack for remembering random facts he loved calling his “useless knowledge”. He was patient, curious, and listened to understand. He was judicious, and his words of wisdom were spoken honestly and authentically. Tom was humble, dependable, and empathetic. He had high regard for a keen sense of humor, and his own was, though at times admittedly twisted, one of the greatest. He may have even been sarcastic a time or two. Above all, his love of family was undeniable and steadfast.
Survivors include his devoted wife of 54 years, Norma; 2 children, Amy (Brian) Crum and Scott (Kristin) Kanaar; 5 grandchildren - Hunter, Jake, Sydney, Avery and Maya; step-mother, Margaret Kanaar; brother-in-law Mark Attenberger and sister-in-law Vivian McDaniel. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother William Kanaar; father and mother-in-law Harvey & Evelyn “Midge” Attenberger; sister-in-law Patricia Pufpaff.
An open house Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, September 7, 2024 from 1-4pm, with a time of reflection led by Pastor Bill Uetricht at 1:30pm, at The Lee Family Center of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 6291 Harvey St, Norton Shores, MI 49444. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation to the National Kidney Foundation, which was near and dear to Tom’s heart. Sign the online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com
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