Lee Roberts

Lee Roberts, age 70, of Grandville, passed away on Sunday, January 10, 2016 after a brief and valiant battle with cancer. He retired from Rapistan in 2002 as the Chief Industrial Engineer. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed volunteering at Blandford Nature Center. He also enjoyed and celebrated life without judgment. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 34 years, Joyce; his children, Amy and Steve Bultema, Ray and Jill Zuidema, Robert and Nicole Zuidema, Dorthy and Carsten Kuester, Dan Roberts; 14 dearly loved grandchildren and 1 great grandchild; sisters, Irene Ames, Eunice Goodemoot, Margene Taylor, Ruthann and Dick Hamilton; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Jack and Bev Smith, Jim Smith, Marilyn Henderson, Tim and Ruth Smith, Mary and Doug Snyder, Dorothy and Maury Cheadle; several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held on Thursday 11 am at Second Congregational Church, 525 Cheshire Dr. NE, Grand Rapids, with Rev. Peter St. Martin officiating. Interment Rosedale Memorial Park. Relatives and friends may meet the family Wednesday from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at Matthysse-Kuiper-DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Dr. SW. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make memorial contributions to Second Congregational Church Food Pantry or Blandford Nature Center.

The struggle is real and so is God.

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January 19, 2016

Lee was not only a volunteer of the year recipient, he was a cheer leader for all the many projects and special events we hosted at Blandford. I called Lee the hardest working man I ever knew because he would come through Thursdays and accomplish more in a couple hours than others could in a couple days. He shared his time so wisely and made a real difference at Blandford. I will always carry you in my heart Lee. Your love continues in our daily work.

- Jessie Schulte

January 13, 2016

I am sending my condolences. Blandford is a better place because Lee Roberts was once there. His fingerprints have left a lasting legacy for all those that continue to enjoy the beauty of what he helped to maintain. I sure did enjoy his company - all decked out in camouflage or other distinctive outdoor-geared clothing - as we sat during those rare moments in the lunch room. Lee, thank you for giving the gift of your precious time - we sure did enjoy our time with you.

- Janet Staal

January 13, 2016

Prayers for your family.

- Charlene French

January 13, 2016

Sorry to hear of he passing of my dear friend Lee. He will long be remembered as a very up-beat person with a quick and meaningful smile.He was truly dedicated to furthering his employer Rapistan. Rest in peace my dear friend., Condolences to the family.

- Ray Fayer

January 12, 2016

Uncle Lee you will truly be missed. Sincere regrets to Aunt Joyce, Dan and the rest of the family. May God bless you all.

- Vicki Schmidt

January 12, 2016

To the family of Lee -- So sorry to hear of Lee's loss. He will surely be missed on the Dematic Thursday Night Golf League.

- Kathy Beukema

January 11, 2016

To Lee's family - I am so sorry for your loss. At Blandford, Lee was one of our best and most dedicated volunteers. I will miss his jovial laugh and "Hey Guy!" expression and wave as he trotted by my office...off to complete yet another task that needed to be done! Godspeed, Lee, and thank you for all you've done for the thousands of people who have enjoyed the nature center thanks to you.

- Jason Meyer