Alan Agin

A truly extraordinary man to know and love, it has been said that Alan Agin could make magic out of an ordinary day. He was generous and eager to serve others in any way he could, especially when it came to his loved ones. Alan was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who viewed his family as his most priceless treasure. He was always lighthearted with a great sense of humor that when coupled with his unwavering faith allowed him to take everything in stride. Accompanied by a strong work ethic, Alan was an inspiration to all who were within his reach.

The year 1949 found America transitioning to being a nation at peace once again with the end of WWII in 1945. The baby boom was underway while growing families caused quite a demand in new home construction. It was during this exciting time that a young couple from Standale, Michigan had a time of transition in their own lives as they celebrated the birth of a baby boy on June 5th. Alan Wayne was the youngest of four children born to his parents, Arthur R. and Wilma G. (Smith) Agin and his siblings, Gene (deceased), Judy Kay and Janet. His father worked at GM while his mother worked at Heyboer's Market and Emdin’s Children’s Store part-time.

Even while growing up, Alan was a bustle of activity. He did some beekeeping with his father and loved things like swimming, hunting small game and caring for his homing pigeons. Alan was a student at Cummings Elementary where he played on the basketball team. Alan’s high school years found him at Grandville High School, and he also began working at Heyboer's Market at the age of 14.The Agin family were faithful members of Standale Reformed Church.

After graduating from high school in 1967, Alan began working at Steelcase where he spent his entire career. He worked in a variety of positions there including spot welder, served as a lead person, assistant foreman, and foreman before getting promoted to superintendent. Alan loved the company, the people he worked with, and was very proud to have worked there for 32 years before retiring.

Not to be forgotten during Alan’s years in high school was his blossoming romance with Susanne Koperski. They began dating during high school and later married. The couple then bought a home on 8th Avenue. Together they were blessed with two children, Timothy and Lisa. The Agin family later moved to a new home on Nickels Drive. As a family they enjoyed memorable trips to Cedar Point, Great America and Mackinac Island. Although he and Susanne divorced after 16 years, Alan was forever grateful for the children they shared.

There were numerous things that kept Alan busy and he was always doing something. He loved fishing for steelhead on various lakes and rivers in addition to walleye fishing on Lake Erie. Hunting was another favorite activity for pheasant and deer. Alan frequently went deer hunting with his son and between them many memories were created. He was a big golfer on the Steelcase golf league for many years, and he also bowled on a league at Clique Lanes for several years. Alan went on golf trips to Myrtle Beach with friends for many years and he also enjoyed annual trips to Las Vegas. Snowmobiling with his family and playing card games like Setback and Blackjack were things he enjoyed. It was clear to see when coming to Alan’s home that he meticulously maintained his yard with the trees and shrubs neatly manicured. He loved the vibrant color that flowers added to his yard, especially his dahlias and mums. Additionally, he enjoyed tinkering in his barn and with his tractors.

In 1988 Alan moved to another new home on 8th Avenue where he built the barn he called his man cave to work on his projects. He frequently bought tractors and fixed them up. He was a regular at auctions and he had a keen eye for spotting a great deal. Alan was also a huge race car fan who enjoyed races at Berlin Raceway, and he followed NASCAR.

Later in life, Alan continued to live each day to the fullest. In 1992, he began dating Ruth Theule who also worked at Steelcase. They then fell in love and were married on October 18, 2008 at Standale Reformed Church. He participated in the annual “woodcutting parties” with Ruth’s family and his children. Whenever Alan and Ruth traveled, they always took the "scenic back roads", especially when traveling to Northern Michigan including Traverse City and Mackinaw Island.

Alan looked forward to all the holidays, especially Christmas and the Standale Memorial Day parade. He was very dedicated to his parents, and did what he could to help them. His father was his best friend, and his death in 1979 deeply saddened Alan along with his beloved mother's death in 2010.

With his love for Italian food, especially pizza from Peppino’s Pizza, Alan was one of their first customers when they opened the Standale location. He was a member of St. Laddislaus Aid Society (Laddies Hall) and the Elks Country Club. He was also a regular at Arby's where he'd meet all the guys for coffee at 9:30 AM each morning. Alan was delighted to be a grandfather and loved visiting with his grandchildren whenever he could. In all ways, he was a very proud father and grandfather.

Lighthearted and witty; full of jokes and very generous, Alan Agin was a true blessing in every way. He was outgoing and social, and his zest for life was contagious. "Baby", “Al pal” , “Allegan”, or "40 miles south" to some, he was the life of the party wherever he went.

In January 2013, Alan was diagnosed with terminal liver cancer. He remained ever strong, and very proud, and continued his day to day activities as best as he could. He had several goals to accomplish before his death in which he achieved, and as a meticulous man, he liked things done a certain way. A devoted family man and a person of unwavering faith, Alan will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Mr. Alan W. Agin, aged 64 of Grand Rapids, passed away Saturday morning, January 11, 2014 with his family at his side. He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Wilma Agin; his brother, Gene Agin; and by a niece, Jodi Haverdink. Alan is survived by his beloved wife, Ruth Agin; his loving children, Timothy (Carrie) Agin and Lisa (Bret) Mackey; his grandchildren, Ryan Agin, Dylan Mackey, Morgan Mackey; his stepgrandchildren, Matt Mackey, Brittany (Nate) Funk; three great-grandchildren; his sisters, Judy Kay (Roger) Bergman, Janet (Gord) Haverdink; sister-in-law, Susan Theule; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

The service to celebrate Alan’s life will be held Wednesday, January 15 at 11:00 AM at Standale Reformed Church, 202 Cummings NW. Relatives and friends may meet his family on Tuesday from 2:00- 4:00 and 7:00–9:00 at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW., and at the church on Wednesday from 10:00 AM until the service begins. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to University of Michigan Cancer Research Center. To read more about Alan’s life, to sign his guest book and to leave your own memory of him, visit his web page at www.lifestorynet.com.