Michael F. Cripps, age 68, of Kentwood went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, June 23, 2018. Mike grew up in Round Lake, IL and entered the US Air Force after high school. He served as an electronics technician for 11 years stationed in various locations including Turkey, American Samoa, Japan, Colorado and South Carolina. After his discharge, he worked as a software engineer specializing in computer graphics technology.  He enjoyed the last 18 years working for SolidWorks Corporation.  Mike was passionate about his work. He was a loving, honest family man who will be dearly missed.  Mike met his wife, Brenda, in Denver, in 1983 and they were married in 1988. They lived in Oregon and New Hampshire before settling in Michigan.  He was a member of Cornerstone United Methodist Church.  His hobbies were cats, trains, Legos, movies, traveling and eating out. He will be dearly missed by his wife, Brenda; children, Shelli (Tim) Reed, Rob (Tracy) Cripps, Benjamin (Katrina) Cripps, Peter Cripps; grandchildren, Trevor Reed, Caeden Cripps, Alyssa Cripps; brothers, Howard (Terry) Cripps, Mark (Lorna) Cripps; mother-in-law, Doris Eadie; sisters-in-law, Sue Eadie, Deb Eadie (Bob Martinez); brothers-in-law, Kim (Linda) Eadie, Todd Eadie; several nieces and nephews. He will also be missed by his cats, Zoey, Maestro and Comet. Funeral services will be held Thursday, June 28, 11 am at Cornerstone United Methodist Church - South Wyoming Campus, 2730 56th St. SW, Wyoming with Rev. Brad Kalajainen officiating.  Relatives and friends may meet the family Wednesday from 5-8 pm at Matthysse-Kuiper-DeGraaf Funeral Home, 4646 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, Kentwood.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Crash’s Landing Cat Rescue or Compassion International.

Leave Your Tribute Message

July 02, 2018 10:37am
I worked a lot with Mike in the early days of SolidWorks and recall fondly his willingness to help out no matter what it took. His ability to explain complex things simply always impressed me. His willingness to explain and take input were second to none. Always level headed, calm and friendly no matter how difficult the situation. I will sorely miss Mike.

- Graham Rae

July 01, 2018 3:12am
Through work I was in touch with Mike and got to meet a few times in the last couple years and he made a lasting impression on me, which made this news shocking to hear. Work was straight forward, cutting to the chase and focusing on the essentials. Through the project he always had a very supportive and forward-looking stance and we had good constructive discussions. It was very calming despite the project’s magnitude and a few of us not having achieved something alike. However, it was not just this aspect, he was also very kind during a work trip to show me around in his area and I even got to meet some of you, his family. It was a wonderful experience and our conversations went from technical to personal and through those days I got to see a glimpse of the family man that you and his friends now will be missing. Lacking words here but a stoic anchor of sorts. My deepest condolences to you.

- Christoph K.

June 28, 2018 4:07pm
I was deeply saddened to hear the news. I knew Mike from SolidWorks. He helped me through numerous graphics issues over the years. He was truly a great guy. My heartfelt condolences to his friends and family.

- Penny Brewer

June 27, 2018 3:16pm
Brenda and Family, my sincere condolences to you and your family. I had not seen Mike for many many years and had just recently learned he lived in Grand Rapids so close to other classmates unfortunately did not get time to meet up with you. I pray for peace during this difficult time. Sincerely, Jenny (Schunk) Morcom

- Jenny (Schunk) Morcom

June 27, 2018 4:18am
Prayers of Faith and Sympathy during this difficult time. He was a kind and engaging classmate in High School. He will be missed. Tess (Dvorscak) Pflug

- Tess (dvorscak) Pflug

June 26, 2018 7:04pm
It was so good to see mike at the 50th class reunion. Always a kind and gentle man. My sincere condolences to you Brenda and your children. My god bless you all And keep you close in this time of your loss. Sandie Flackus

- Sandie Flackus

June 26, 2018 4:14pm
Our colleague and friend will be missed dearly. His kind, professional attitude was wonderful to work with inside of the SOLIDWORKS family. His vast knowledge and willingness to share it gives us all something to aspire to.

- Tom Stendel, Dassault Systemes - Madison

June 26, 2018 3:39pm
Mike and I were in Boy Scouts together in Round Lake when Mike's Dad was a Scout Leader. I enjoyed them both and shared many experiences together. I was glad to see Mike at the 50th High School reunion last year. I hadn't seen him in decades but I will miss him. Rest in Peace my friend.

- Richard Beggs

June 26, 2018 2:38pm
So very sorry to hear this news. It sure was great to see him at the high school reunion last year. Condolences and prayers are with you all during this very difficult time. Blessings, Jan Luciano

- Jan Luciano

June 26, 2018 12:37pm
Brenda, My deepest condolences. I too attend the 50th RLHS reunion and was also a recipient of a turtle. It was my pleasure seeing Mike and getting to chat after 50 years. Mike, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

- Paul Jacques

June 26, 2018 9:48am
Mike has been my mentor at SolidWorks when I joined in 2006. Everything I was able to achieve professionally was by standing on his giant shoulder. I will miss him dearly. My deepest condolences.

- Olivier Zegdoun

June 26, 2018 6:03am
I will fondly remember Mike's calm and kind demeanor to everyone he worked with at SOLIDWORKS. His willingness to help anyone who asked a question, was unsurpassed. Mike taught me a lot and I'll always remember him with true fondness and admiration. Condolences to all his family and friends.

- Ron Bates

June 25, 2018 2:34pm
Words can express our heartfelt condolences we feel upon hearing the news. Our prayers, thoughts and memories are with you and your family. I still remember sharing time with you all at Cornerstone and forever will be thankful for your families beautiful moments. Brenda i am a click away always.. and thinking of you forever.. Christy

- Christine Kerley

June 25, 2018 2:20pm
Mike was a wonderful husband! He and Brenda did so much together. I knew him through her many musical endeavors. Brenda:such a shock. I am so sorry.

- Karen Yonkers




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