Todd Cappendyk

A kind and caring person, Todd Cappendyk was deeply loved by his family and friends. A longtime resident of the Grand Rapids area, he found happiness in even the simplest of things. Todd had his fair share of struggles, but he did his very best to show love to those who meant the most to him. Although he was taken from his loved ones much too soon, he created many memorable moments with those who will forever hold him near and dear to their hearts.

The 1970s were a time unlike any other in American history. We were on the brink of technological advances that brought us things like phones in cars, video cassette recorders, and computers that became part of our homes. As a nation we were processing the Watergate scandal and also working to turn the economy around. It was also during this eventful time that Gord and Marcia Cappendyk were thrilled to adopt their son, Todd Ryan, who was born on May 25, 1979, in Sheldon, Iowa. He was the middle of three adopted children as he was joined in his family by his older sister, Lisa, and his younger sister, Lynnae. Raised in the family home on the Northwest side of Grand Rapids, Todd’s father worked as a CPA while his mother worked in customer service for a bank.

In many ways, Todd experienced a childhood that was fairly typical for the youth of his generation. Holidays were usually spent at his grandparents’ home, and later at his parents’ home. As a family they enjoyed camping along Lake Michigan, and they also took some memorable trips to Iowa and Colorado. Todd played youth baseball and also loved to skateboard all around the neighborhood. He collected baseball and basketball cards and also enjoyed fishing with his father. Todd and his family were members of Highland Hills Christian Reformed Church, which later merged with Alpine Avenue CRC to form Westend CRC. As a student Todd attended West Side Christian School and both Calvin Christian High School and Kenowa Hills High School. In addition to holding down his studies, he played saxophone in both the band and marching band. Todd went on to graduate from high school in 1997.

With his education behind him, Todd set out into the world. He worked as a general laborer with much of his time spent in roofing. Todd loved a good Japanese steakhouse, and this was often his restaurant of choice when it came time for his birthday dinner. Although he made some bad choices at times, Todd was a loving person with a kind and caring heart.

With a life that spanned times of great change in the world around him, Todd Cappendyk was deeply loved by his family. He lived in the area throughout his life and did his best to weather the storms of life as they came his way including time spent in a wheelchair during the last three years of his life. This resulted from a fall off a roof, leaving him paralyzed from the chest down. His girlfriend, Jenica, spent the last several years with him, taking care of him and giving love and companionship. Todd will never be forgotten by those who knew him best.

CAPPENDYK, Todd Ryan age 41, of Grand Rapids, passed away unexpectedly on Oct 25, 2020. He was preceded in death by his sister, Lisa. Todd is survived by his parents, Gordon and Marcia Cappendyk; sister, Lynnae Bukala; nephew and nieces, David, Ambrosia, Lexi, Alayna and Taeya; many aunts, uncles and cousins and special friend, Jenica Kanouse. A graveside service will take place at 11 AM on Friday, October 30, 2020 at Rosedale Memorial Park. Contributions in memory of Todd may be made to Mary Free Bed Foundation. Please visit www.heritagelifestory.com to read Todd’s life story, submit a favorite memory, photo or to sign the guestbook online.