What a sweet and gentle man! I remember the many visits and conversations as Gordon delighted the school children with his stories and 'shows'! He will forever be a memory to literally thousands of children and their teachers. As a school principal I always
looked forward to Gordon's phone calls and his willingness to fit into any school schedule! God Bless You Gordon!
Judi Koepnick
Negen, Gordon
NEGEN: Gordon Negen of Grand Rapids died peacefully on Tuesday, September 27, 2011. He was born and raised on a farm outside Renville, Minnesota and attended a one room school and Renville High School. On May 31, 1955 he married Bonnie Nibbelink. Gordon graduated from Calvin College and Seminary and was ordained as a minister in 1959. He was an active and fully engaged participant in life: champion of civil rights, one of the Freedom Riders in the early 60s, inspiring spiritual leader, passionate advocate for the disadvantaged and disenfranchised, superb teller of bad jokes and enthusiastic fan at the activities of all his kids and grandkids. He is survived by his wife, Bonnie; children, Bob (Susan) Negen, Debra (Randy) Brink, Beth (Michael) Lambers, Steve (Lynn) Negen; and 10 grandchildren. In lieu of flowers and memorials, he requested “find someone in need, deserving or undeserving, and give them, in person, a gift or a meal.” A memorial service will be held on Sunday, October 23 at 3:00 pm at the Grandville/Jenison Congregational Church, 3900 Henry St. SW, Grandville, with a visitation from 1:00 to 3:00 prior to the service.Guestbook
Gordon Negen
October 23, 2011
Bonnie & Kids: What wonderful memories I have of Gord as a passionate lover of life and lover of God. Peace to you in his passing. Warmly, Erik Hoekstra Dordt College
Anonymous
Anonymous
Bonnie - As Edie wrote about Bob Heerspink, The Lord gave, the Lord has taken away, Blessed be the name of the Lord. May His presence be your support and comfort. What a fun seminary classmate he was! And then, going to the Bible lands in 1984. I have
a picture of him on a camel.
Lloyd Wolters
a picture of him on a camel.
Lloyd Wolters
You were an important component of my formative years. You taught me about a God who became my best friend. You stepped in when I needed a voice louder than I felt I was capable of. I would not be who and what I am today if you had not taken a special
interest in my life since I was a toddler. You will always be my hero. There has never been anyone like you. The angels are rejoicing with your entrance into heaven! Hallelujah! Our God reigns!
Anonymous
interest in my life since I was a toddler. You will always be my hero. There has never been anyone like you. The angels are rejoicing with your entrance into heaven! Hallelujah! Our God reigns!
Anonymous
Bonnie and family, my prayers are with you at this time. He was a great inspiration to many of my friends who attended Calvin in the 70s and 80s and attended church at Eastern because of Gordon. Bless you in the next weeks.
Joan Brink
Joan Brink
Bonnie and Family, Everyone here is sending our best thoughts and prayers. We wish you a sense of peace and comfort in the coming days.
Deb VanderMolen and all the staff at Kent Regional 4C.
Deb VanderMolen and all the staff at Kent Regional 4C.
bonnie, I am sorry to hear that you have lost Gordon. In Botswana they say, 'he is late". I will not be able to attend the memorial service on oct 23. Please accept my sincere condolences at this in your life. A great obituary and I will try to heed his
advice/ Probably someone "undeserving". I hope that you remain well.
stan roth
advice/ Probably someone "undeserving". I hope that you remain well.
stan roth
Dear Bonnie. My prayers are with you in this time of loss, remembering, and adjustment. To think of Gord and you is to think pleasant thoughts -- in Denver, in NYC, in Garden Cafe some months ago. God used Gord to bless many people, and challenge us all.
May God supply your every need. In Christ.
Al Mulder
May God supply your every need. In Christ.
Al Mulder
Bonnie and family, We share countless memories of Gord from childhood, Calvin, and beyond in unexpected meetings: Lake Forest apts., and Election poll classes. His friendly, congenial manner drew people to him. We honor and celebrate his life, as we pray
for your comfort at this difficult time. Trudy (Slagter) and John Block
Anonymous
for your comfort at this difficult time. Trudy (Slagter) and John Block
Anonymous
I have such fond memories of Gord, as a customer at the bank when I was a bank teller, as my minister when I attended EACRC, as the funny guy that came to my grandkids school to show them how fun kites can be. He was a wonderful & caring person. I rejoice
with your family in remembering his life and the many ways he touched those who knew him.
Eileen (Hemkes) Hass
with your family in remembering his life and the many ways he touched those who knew him.
Eileen (Hemkes) Hass
Dear Negen Family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We are so thankful for Gordon and his years of volunteering at Camp Fire programs. The "kite man" visits and his stories were always a favorite of the kids. Warm Regards - Gayle Orange & the entire
Camp Fire staff
Camp Fire USA West Michigan Council
Camp Fire staff
Camp Fire USA West Michigan Council
Bonnie and Family, You welcomed us into our Denver, Sun Valley, Las Casitas home. Gord was Lou’s mentor and friend. We owe him much, as do many other young, urban interns from the ‘60’s. With you, we look forward to Resurrection Day for our new bodies
to live in God’s new creation! Til then, God’s deep peace and sweet grace to each of you.
Lou and Linda Roossien
to live in God’s new creation! Til then, God’s deep peace and sweet grace to each of you.
Lou and Linda Roossien
Dear Bonnie and children, We have fond memories of Gord from his and your years at Eastern Avenue CRC and regret his passing--all too soon. He was a person of serious and keen vision and yet of earth-bound humor. May God and the people of faith that surround
you bring peace and omfort.
Sheryl Smalligan
you bring peace and omfort.
Sheryl Smalligan

Otto and Judy Vos