Sanford Clay Leestma, age 76, of Grand Rapids, went to be with Jesus on Thursday, November 16, 2017. He was the son of Herman and Evelyn Leestma. Sanford graduated from Grand Rapids Christian Schools and earned degrees from Calvin College, Pennsylvania State University, and New Mexico State University. He was a professor of Mathematics and Computer Scienceat Calvin College for 35 years, during which time he co-authored numerous Computer Science textbooks. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Marjory; children and grandchildren, Michelle and Rudy Mulder (Kristina and Joe Matthews, Jonathan, Alec), Sanford and Lori Leestma (Sanford Clay, Brynn, Jack), Michael and Andrea Leestma (Aubrey, Connor); and brothers and sisters. A private memorial service will be held at Calvin Seminary, and he will be laid to rest at Rosedale Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make memorial contributions to the Sanford Leestma Memorial Fund at the Van Andel Institute (Parkinson’s Disease Research) at
www.vai.org.
The family would also like to extend our deepest gratitude to all the caregivers and nurses that provided loving, gentle care for Sanford throughout his years of illness.