Frederic John LaMaire, age 78, of Hudsonville went to be with his Savior and Lord Jesus Christ on Monday, January 7, 2019, surrounded by his loving family. Fred leaves behind his beloved wife of 57 years, Barbara, sweethearts forever until we meet again; his children, Richard and Dawn LaMaire, Todd and Diane LaMaire, Matthew and Jill LaMaire; beloved grandchildren, Kirk LaMaire and fiancee Morgan Hawkes, Kaleigh and Ben Vegter, Seth and Corinne LaMaire, Adam LaMaire, Trey and Katelyn LaMaire, Maddison and Matthew Rice, Brady LaMaire; great grandsons, Tanner and Levi; brothers and sisters, Neal LaMaire, Mary King, Helen Cowell, Marge Austin; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Sharon Zimmerman, Tom and Teresa Zimmerman, Larry and Sharon Zimmerman; special nephews and niece, Marc Zimmerman, Chad Zimmerman, Kurt and Laurie Haynes; many nieces and nephews; special friend, Ed Hillyer. He was preceded in death by a dear brother-in-law, Richard Zimmerman; his parents, Cornelius and Margaret LaMaire; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Helen Zimmerman and Harold Zimmerman; special aunt, Ellie Haynes. Fred proudly served four years in the United States Marine Corp. He was a Grand Rapids Police Officer for 15 years. Upon his retirement, Fred went to work for the Police Officers Labor Council. He loved his fellow officers and fought hard for their rights. He was an honest, honorable, loving man and anyone who knew him loved him. A memorial service will be held 11 a.m., Friday, January 11, 2019, at Rosewood Reformed Church, 2795 Rosewood Street, Jenison, with Pastor Matthew LaMaire officiating and the eulogy given by Richard LaMaire. Relatives and friends may meet the family Thursday, January 10, from 6-9 p.m. at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville), 4145 Chicago Drive SW and Friday from 10-10:45 a.m. at the church prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make memorial contributions to the Thin Blue Line of Michigan.

Leave Your Tribute Message

January 10, 2019 3:57pm
Fred will be dearly missed. I negotiated across the bargaining table with him in Labor Relations for many years. Along with other union leaders, he was sometimes ferocious in his advocacy of better benefits for our Police and other city employees oftentimes using "colorful English words " to get his point across. He taught me a lot about effective bargaining and always showed me respect and support. We got along well because we both were honest and candid which helped us to get alot done. Interesting this "roaring lion" in meetings was often impeccably dressed and have the coolest /stylish clothes on with wonderful sweaters. He would proudly tell us they were picked out by his lovely wife Barb. He loved you dearly Barb. To me, Fred's legacy of someone who cared, was deeply proud of his wonderful family and made a difference in law enforcement advocacy are hallmarks of his life. My sincerest condolences to the LaMaire family, colleagues and friends.

- Mari Beth Jelks

January 09, 2019 5:23pm
To the entire LaMaire family, You have my most sincere condolences on the loss of such a great man. To Barb, He loved you more than any man could love a woman and we wasn't afraid to let it be known. I miss him already but we will have another conversation someday. Until then Freddie, Go Packers!

- Ed Hillyer

January 09, 2019 2:57pm
Rest in peace, friend.

- Wayne Thomas

January 09, 2019 1:47pm
May Fred rest in peace. Prayers for the family. I spent many good times with Fred during our time in the FOP. He was a great guy and friend

- Clayton Peters

January 09, 2019 8:20am
Fred- a great Friend and Colleague, you will be missed. Rest in Peace.

- Tom & Nancy Kreis

January 09, 2019 7:19am
A true friend and mentor. Fred's wisdom and steady hand were critical in helping me weather the trials and tribulations of being union president and a police officer at a difficult time. His profound impact as a police advocate will be felt for generations to come. Good bye old friend.

- David Leonard

January 09, 2019 5:20am
I am so sorry to hear of "Uncle Freds" passing. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. Keep all of the memories close to your heart.

- Mary LaMaire Kamenec

January 09, 2019 4:25am
One of the good guys

- tom Krug

January 09, 2019 1:13am
Fred you will be greatly missed by all who know you. It was my pleasure and honor to know you and work with you at the Labor Council. Thoughts and Prayers to your family.

- John Corrigan

January 08, 2019 7:28pm
Dear ones, May God hold you in His loving, caring hands and strengthen you in this difficult time. Fred was loved by so many and will be missed greatly.

- judy zimmerman

January 08, 2019 6:41pm
Todd, Sending Prayers of Peace and Comfort to you and your family.

- Jeanne (Borgeld) Anderson

January 08, 2019 5:31pm
We are so sorry to hear of Fred's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

- Eloise and Jim Brower

January 08, 2019 4:20pm
So sorry to hear of the loss of such an amazing man! So many wonderful memories of Uncle Fred and the family. My thoughts and prayers are with you, all. May peace be with you. And, may Freddie be playing cribbage and having a 'Jack' with Dad Z. 😊 xo

- Kori Zimmerman

January 08, 2019 4:16pm
So sorry for the loss of such an amazing man. My thoughts and prayers are with you, all. I have many wonderful memories of Uncle Fred and the family. May peace be with you! And, may Freddie be playing cribbage and having a 'Jack' with Dad Z. 😊 Xo

- Kori Zimmerman

January 08, 2019 3:03pm
With deepest sympathy and prayers, may God comfort you now and the days ahead.

- Larry Zimmerman

January 08, 2019 1:52pm
Keeping you all in my prayers.

- Vicky Hoogerheide Klaassen

January 08, 2019 12:13pm
Rest In Peace with Jesus my old friend.

- Ted Quist

January 08, 2019 12:05pm
A great man and great officer. You will truly be missed.

- James Farris

January 08, 2019 10:13am
May we all feel God’s comfort and grace as he will be surely missed. Surely Heaven has received another angel until one day we all meet again. His legacy will live on through those that knew him, memories,family and friends. God Bless.

- Gordon Smith




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Floral arrangements provided by Love Knots Floral.

 

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