Richard “Rick” Bouwhuis

Richard “Rick” Frederick Bouwhuis, age 59, of Allendale, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 30, 2016, and went to be with his Lord after a 20 year battle with cancer. He was preceded in death by his mother June Marie Bouwhuis. He will be lovingly remembered by his father, Richard, and step-mother Bonnie; children Jennifer Bouwhuis, Theresa Bouwhuis, Zach and Andrea Bouwhuis, Seth and Justine Bouwhuis; grandchildren Dylan, Anthony, Ella, Raelyn, Lydia, Amiya, Noah, and Lola; siblings Sue, Chris and Ewa, Michael, Margaret (Greg) Thompson, and Elizabeth (Rob) Alferink; many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Rick was a Christian man, an avid Notre Dame fan spending 16 years as an Usher at Notre Dame football games. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday at 11 am at Holy Redeemer Parish, 2700 Baldwin Street, Jenison. Interment Floral View Memorial Gardens. Relatives and friends may meet the family Wednesday from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm at Matthysse-Kuiper-DeGraaf Funeral Home (Allendale), 6651 Scott Street and from 10-11am at church on Thursday. A vigil will be held Wednesday evening at 8:15 pm at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make memorial contributions to Gilda’s Club or St. Ann’s Home.

Leave Your Tribute Message

November 06, 2016

To the entire Bouwhuis family: I am missing a good friend in Rick, but I can't imagine what you must be feeling at the loss of your son, brother, father, and uncle. While my wife Jodi and I were not able to be with you all this past week, I'm so glad that we were able to visit with Rick over the past several times we've been back to Michigan. And most recently just this past month while visiting with family. We talked about the Cowboys, old times, and family. Rick was always about family, and friends, so I was not surprised to hear that so many people paid there respects this past week. While we grieve the loss of Rick, we take comfort that he is no longer suffering, and in a better place. Time may heal our wounds, but we will never forget. Godspeed my friend. Steve Brown

- Steve Brown

November 03, 2016

Dad, You were the best dad and best friend a son could ever ask for. You did so much for us as kids growing up and I will be forever thankful. You were also an awesome father in law and grandpa to my kids! My goal in life is to be there for my kids like you were there for us. You have taught me so much and I credit you for the man I’ve become – thank you, dad! It was an honor to know you and call you dad. You were a great Christian man and it was evident in the way you lived your life and treated people. I will be forever grateful for the moment we shared on Easter Sunday of 2015 when you made the personal decision to accept Jesus Christ into your heart as your personal Savior – Praise be to God! It was an eternal decision you will never regret and one that started your awesome relationship with Jesus Christ. You are now in a better place and I am looking forward to the day when we will be reunited in Heaven! You will be missed dad. Love, Zach, Andrea, Lydia and Noah

- Richard "Zach" Bouwhuis

November 03, 2016

I'm so sorry to hear about Rick. We will miss him at Gilda's Club. I was so hoping that he would be able to defeat this awful illness. He seemed to be doing so well! His passing is a shock. He was a very nice man and will be missed.

- Avis Spencer

November 01, 2016

Our deepest sympathy from all the Brown family members. Rick was a great guy and one of Steve's best friends and will be sadly missed. You are all in our thoughts.

- Geoff Brown

November 01, 2016

Dear Zach and family: So sorry for your loss. My heartfelt sympathy is extended to you at this difficult time. Renae Syverson

- Renae Syverson

October 31, 2016

I am so sorry for your loss. Please accept my condolences. When we are grieving the loss of a loved one, we can find comfort from the scriptures. I found a couple scriptures at jw.org. Psalm 55:22 promises that God will sustain us if we just throw our burdens on him. So we need to remember to pray. I look forward to seeing Rick in the resurrection when he will again be enjoying friends/family. (John 5:28,29). I hope these scriptures bring you as much comfort as they bring me.

- Chris

October 31, 2016

I know Rick you are no longer in pain and you fought such a long battle and because of your will and strength we were given so many wonderful years and awsome memories that we will always hold deep in our minds and hearts!! You were an amazing man and your Christianity was apparent with the way you treated people and your big smile and the way you loved everyone. Will always cherish our talks abouts Tigers and ND and all the games we watched together as a family. Thank you for being such a grrat big brother and give mom a big hug and kiss from me and love you always and forever Go Irish and Go Tigers!!!♡♡ Margaret and Greg♡♡

- Margaret Thompson