Obituary

Remembering Clarence Doornbos

Clarence Lee Doornbos, aged 76, passed away suddenly and went to be with his Lord on Saturday, July 15, 2017. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Maggie Doornbos and brother, Howard Doornbos. He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Janice (Jouwstra); children, Sandra and Lon Gouak. Jeffrey Doornbos and Caroline Diani; five grandchildren, Faith, Chari, Michael, Sarah and Jolene; sister-in-law, Kay Doornbos; brother, Robert and Cherie Doornbos; sister, Ruth and Dave Hoeksema; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Clare grew up in Zeeland, MI, and graduated from Holland Christian High School and Calvin College in 1962. He obtained his Master’s Degree at VanderCook College of Music. He was a teacher and professor of music throughout the country which he truly enjoyed, but above all he loved his Lord. Clare was a man of many interests which included cycling, model railroading, photography, classic cars, and a lifelong Tiger fan, just to name a few. Funeral services for Clarence will be held at LaGrave Christian Reformed Church, 107 LaGrave Ave. SE on Thursday at 11am. The family will receive relatives and friends Wednesday from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at the Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Chapel (Kentwood), 4646 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, as well as one hour prior to the service at church on Thursday. The family requests that memorial contributions be given to Sea To Sea, a cross-country cycling event for which he was training at the time of the accident, that raises money to fight poverty. (my.seatosea.org/ClarenceDoornbos)

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Tribute Messages

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March 31, 2022 8:26pm

Although it's been many years since I met & rode with Clare in 2008. I periodically think back on that experience. I hope this doesn't cause you any pain, sharing my memories after all this time. I remember him as a kind & gentle soul & I know the world was a better place for him being in it.

— JoAnn M Tipple

July 25, 2017 11:26am

Jan, Sandy & Jeff; remember you well from the days at Bell One! May God surround you with his presence and his people in your time of sorrow and adjustments.

— Don Draayer

July 22, 2017 9:12am

Jan and Family, Our sincerest sympathy goes out to you and your family. May God's love surround you. Janet and Mike McCasey

— Janet McCasey

July 22, 2017 9:09am

Jan and Family: Our sincerest sympathy goes out to you. May God surround you with his love and strength. Janet and Mike McCasey

— Janet McCasey

July 21, 2017 6:51am

I had Mr. Doornbos at Christian High. At one point, I had him 3 times a day--Jazz Band, Choir and Concert Band. We had a running joke that maybe I could just call him Clare 😊 So sorry for your loss! He was a great man who made an impact on so many kids. Praying for your family during this hard time!

— Mandy (Helder) Vander Meyden

July 20, 2017 11:59am

Deepest sympathy for the tragic loss of your loved one. -Bonnie Slayton (CYS)

— Bonnie Slayton

July 19, 2017 12:39pm

My sympathy goes out to entire Doornbos family. As a music ed prof at Dordt, Mr. Doornbos was a wonderful mentor to me. Jan, you were an awesome cooperating teacher! I've just recently retired after 37 years as a band director; you were both in my thoughts as I reflected on my teaching career and those who had a profound influence on me. Thank you for being tremendous Christian role models for me and many others. God's blessings and peace to all of you.

— Mary Jean (Arends) Nederhoff

July 19, 2017 11:55am

Prayers for the family. We so enjoyed watching Mr Doornbos direct the Dordt College Orchestra while we attended there. Elly also enjoyed learning how to play the recorder while attending his music class for future elementary education teachers.

— Brian and Elly (Van Loo) Boersema

July 18, 2017 2:25pm

It was my pleasure and honor to know Clare. He was a true godly gentleman who will be greatly missed. May God hold his family close in His arms.

— Pat Root

July 18, 2017 12:48pm

To the entire family, my deepest condolences .. I work with Sandy in Wittmann, Az, and recently had the pleasure of meeting him (Clarence) and his wife and what a true honor and pleasure it was! .. May the Lord be with you during this time. 💔😢

— Candie Ysasi

July 18, 2017 12:46pm

To the entire family, my deepest condolences .. I work with Sandy in Wittmann, Az, and recently had the pleasure of meeting him (Clarence) and his wife and what a true honor and pleasure it was! .. May the Lord be with you during this time. 💔😢

— Candie Ysaso

July 18, 2017 12:08pm

I was very saddened to read about Clarence' sudden passing. I remember him well as the 5th grade band director at Bellflower Christian in the early 1960s. He was inspiring to many. Wishing you God's presence and peace.

— Edward Bakker

July 18, 2017 10:09am

So sorry for your loss. Prayers for you and your family, Janice

— Bonnie (Christianson) Brinkman

July 18, 2017 10:01am

Dear Jan & family, We were so saddened to hear about the bicycle accident. Always remember Clare as a joy-filled Christian, who gave such expression in his life and through his music. Jan, the same can be said about you. We grieve, but not as those who have no hope. We BELONG to our faithful Savior Jesus Christ, which is our ONLY comfort in life and in death. We express our sincere sympathies to you and your family during this difficult time of sorrow. Also, remember your siblings, Pete, Jim and Glenda! SHALOM ... George & Betty Groen

— georgejgroen

July 18, 2017 6:10am

I am a former student of Mr. Doornbos and am grieved to hear of his sudden death. He was an inspiring teacher of music and I thoroughly enjoyed my 3 (maybe even 4!) years in his choir classes. I am so thankful for the memories I have of his classes and for how he inspired in me a love of singing. He will be dearly missed!

— Abbie (Lynch) Huizinga

July 18, 2017 6:08am

Our deepest condolences on your tragic loss. We were on the 2013 Sea to Sea tour as a rider and SAG driver.

— Stan and Bernice Baker

July 18, 2017 2:18am

Your dad will be greatly missed but his warmth, kindness, and gentle spirit will be remembered forever. Your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

— April Huffman Edwards

July 17, 2017 8:05pm

Sandy and Family, My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. Our prayers are for strength, comfort,and that you are surrounded by love. He must have been a terrific man, to have such an amazing family. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted” (Matthew 5:4)

— James Scott

July 17, 2017 7:25pm

Dear Jan and family, so many wonderful memories of you, Clare and children from the Valley Christian days when Clare was our instrumental music director. He did a great deal for that program. The personal time our two families could also share were wonderful days in So. California. My deepest sympathy to you. I know the future you face alone but the Lord does give the needed strength now and in the future. You are in my prayers. Bk

— Bruce Keuning

July 17, 2017 7:11pm

My sincerest sympathies go out to you, Janice,and your family. May God enfold you with His love and peace and guide you through this difficult time. With love in Christ. Sandra

— Sandra Venekamp

July 17, 2017 7:04pm

My jr high and high school band director at Valley Christian. Our sympathy to Jan and family.

— Corliss and Betty Mouw Smidt

July 17, 2017 5:04pm

Go with God dear Clare. I'm reflecting on our many hours making music! Such a special time.

— Jeanne Welborn.

July 17, 2017 4:52pm

We will miss you here. There must be so many greeting you in heaven. Touched by your love for music, cycling, helping those in need and of course your witness through love for the Lord. See you again my friend.

— Terry & Luanne Barnes

July 17, 2017 4:41pm

I will always treasure the time with Mr. Doornbos and his enthusiasm for life and music. May God grace your family with warm memories and knowing he touched so many lives.

— Debra (Bytwork) VanKuiken

July 17, 2017 3:25pm

I was blessed to have Mr. Doornbos as my band director at Grand Rapids Christian High School (1991 grad). He always had a smile on his face when I talked to him. He always had time to talk to me and encouraged me to push myself to do my best. He always showed his love for God in whatever he did. I'm sorry for your loss and for all he has left behind including myself. I'm also celebrating the fact that Mr. Doornbos is with the One who made him dance in the hallways at the high school, Jesus Christ.

— Julie DeMots Field

July 17, 2017 2:49pm

I had Mr. Doornbos as a student at Dordt. A funny, kind-hearted, erudite and lovely man. He was so gifted and used his gifts for his Lord's glory. My deepest Christian sympathy to his family. I am a better person and musician for having known him.

— Valerie (Zandstra) Koetting

July 17, 2017 1:18pm

Clare was one of my favorite classmates in HCHS. Always enjoyed connecting with him. As I did at one of our last class reunions, when we talked about photography. Our thoughts are with you Jan, as with rest of your family. God be with you all. May He in time give you comfort and reassurance.

— Ed & Alma Van Oudheusden

July 17, 2017 12:45pm

Clare was a wonderful person to know as a fellow teacher and very thoughtful in his relationship with you.

— Fran Bolthuis

July 17, 2017 12:42pm

So sorry to hear of Clarence's sudden death! Our hearts go out to all in the family.

— Cal & Beth (Doornbos) Huizenga

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