Kevin Van Timmeren

Generally, one didn’t need to spend too long with Kevin Van Timmeren to see that he was a lover of life. He was social and outgoing with a giving spirit as he loved nothing more than doing his part to make those around him happy. He cared deeply for his loved ones, and a friend of Kevin’s was a friend for life. He was highly accomplished in his career, and although he was deeply devoted to his work he also looked forward to having fun outside of work. Kevin didn’t shy away from anything and was a true adventurer at heart with a certain spunk about him that drew others near. Deeply loved, he will be forever missed.

The 1970s were a time of transition in America. As a nation we were on the cusp of the age of technology, and with the premier of Star Wars in theaters, the cultural fabric of our nation was woven with a new thread that would span decades. It was as fall appeared on the horizon on Mountain Home Air Force Base in Southwestern Idaho, John "Bob" and Grace (Ubels) Van Timmeren were eagerly awaiting the birth of their new baby. Their wait was over on October 15th when the baby boy they named Kevin Robert drew his first breath. Joining his older bother, Chris, in the Van Timmeren family, he became the middle of three boys when his younger brother, Scott, was born. At the time Kevin was born his father was in the Air Force and when he was just under two years old his family moved back to Grand Rapids where they settled in East Grand Rapids.

In many ways Kevin was a young boy of his generation and a bustle of activity. He was a very talkative young boy as he honed in on his social side early on. Kevin attended Sylvan Christian School. and he loved sports including Little League baseball and basketball. From 1985 through 1987 their family moved to Ann Arbor for Kevin’s father's work, but they then returned to Grand Rapids where Kevin attended Grand Rapids Christian High School. There, Kevin played various sports like soccer, basketball, and baseball, and he also sang in the chamber chorale. He always loved to sing and could often be heard singing in the shower. For a time Kevin was even part of a group of five basketball players who sang in area churches and for events. At that time he was into Phish and the Grateful Dead. While in high school Kevin was active in Young Life, and he regularly attended their summer camps. He also went to Camp Roger many summers in a row, and in general he really enjoyed being outside.

After graduating from Grand Rapids Christian High, Kevin was ready for all that life had in store. He went on to Hope College where he was a member of the Frater Fraternity and a business and prelaw major. Kevin was always proud to have been part of his fraternity, and many of his lifelong friends were made while in college. From there he attended Washington University for law and graduated with his JDMBA in 2005. With a love for traveling, Kevin spent some time traveling after graduating from law school including going to Europe with his brothers for a couple of weeks. He then stayed a bit longer.

Ready to put down some roots, Kevin took a job in Chicago, specializing in business mergers and acquisitions. He later spent some time living in the Palm Beach area of Florida beginning in 2013. Kevin practiced law there until 2018 when he moved back to Grand Rapids and took a job with Dematic until the spring of this year. His proudest professional accomplishment was working on the 2016 Chicago Olympic bid as he oversaw contract for venues and athletes. Over the years Kevin’s work found him traveling a fair amount.

Throughout his life Kevin was a man of many interests. Music was always an important part of his life, and while in Florida he attended a particular church simply because he enjoyed the music. Kevin enjoyed contemporary pop as well. He has been called an adrenaline junkie as he went bungie jumping in Mexico, went on the second highest bungee jump in Switzerland, and also jumped off cliffs and into the water. Kevin had many friends from several different social circles, and since he didn’t want to miss out socially he just made friends wherever he went. Among his many longtime friends were Phil Haan, Jeff Mulder, Andy Alt, Zach Vandenberg, Jared Kooistra, and BJ Damstra, and some of these friendships were established way back in grade school. Kevin had a 37 foot Sea Ray Sundancer with his friend, Bill Clause, and he loved cruising around with family and friends. During the summers, he spent every weekend on the boat. Later in life Kevin preferred being inside, often watching ESPN or sports, and he was also an avid reader with 1,000 or more books in his home. He primarily preferred mystery or suspense. Kevin enjoyed chewy, sweet candy including Chewy Sweet Tarts. When it came to his favorite food, he still loved his mom’s Special K chicken casserole that she made before football games when Kevin was in high school.

All who knew Kevin Van Timmeren would agree that there was no one quite like him. He was fun-loving and smart with a competitive spirit throughout his life. Kevin loved kids, and although he could be stubborn at at times he was one of the most loving people around. He was someone who was always late, and he had an insatiable thirst for living life on the edge. Although he will be deeply missed, Kevin leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that his friends and loved ones will forever treasure.

Kevin R. Van Timmeren age 42, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, November 7, 2019. He is survived by his parents, Bob and Grace Van Timmeren; brothers, Chris and Gina Van Timmeren and Scott and Jennifer Van Timmeren; nieces, Brynn, Elle, Maya, and River; and many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews and numerous friends. The Funeral Service will be held at 1:30 PM on Friday November 15, 2019 at Keystone Church, 655 Spaulding Ave SE. The family will receive visitors from 3-5 and 6-8 PM on Thursday at the church. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to Camp Roger or Young Life Central Grand Rapids. Please visit www.heritagelifestory.com to read Kevin’s life story, submit a memory, photo, or to sign the guestbook online.