Charles Bylsma

On Friday April 20th of 2018 the spirit of Charles John Bylsma left this earth in peace and love. Charlie was born on May 3, 1948 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He grew up in the home that his parents, Harvey and Bea Bylsma, built in Wyoming, Michigan. Charlie was named after his two grandfathers: Charlie Plas, a farmer, and John Bylsma, a painter. Charlie is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Sharon (nee Dolfin), children Bjorn (Shanna) Bylsma and Amber (Brandon) Gorby, grandchildren Addyson, Wyatt, Charlotte, Olivia and McKinley, brother Jay (Karen) Bylsma, sister Marilee Bylsma, sister in law Barb Mead, brother in law Larry Dolfin, sister in law Nancy Bylsma, Aunt Char (Jim) Schipper, Aunt Sue Grassmid along with several cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Harvey and Bea (nee Plas) Bylsma. Charlie greatly appreciated all of his friends and neighbors who helped him or spent time with him over the years. Charlie loved his family and traveling the country and appreciated its people, cultures and natural beauty. He worked with trees and wood; building furniture, turning bowls and plates and designing and building his own home. He enjoyed collecting and restoring antique vehicles including his prized 1950 GMC Suburban that he had dreamed about driving down old Route 66. He also spent time hunting and fishing and was a veracious reader of many interests. He was employed by the City of Grand Rapids in the parks department, cemetery, water department and retired as a Supervisor in the Environmental Protection department. He believed in human and civil rights, providing leadership in the Grand Rapids Independent Employees Union during his thirty years working for the city of Grand Rapids, including being a leader in the strike of 1980 and served as union President from 1995-1999. Visitation with the family will be held Tuesday April 24, 2018 from 1PM to 3PM and 5PM to 7PM at Stegenga Funeral Chapel located at 1601 Post Dr. NE, Belmont, MI 49306. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Nature Conservancy or Great Lakes Caring Hospice. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Charles John Bylsma please visit our Sympathy Store.