Bob Verburg

Robert George Verburg was an accomplished business man and successful family man. He was friendly and smart on the job and caring and wise at home. At the same time that he liked to haggle and negotiate, he also preferred the quiet and time spent with those he loved. Robert’s life was built on a firm foundation that allowed him to delight in each day that God gave him.

Robert was born at a time when thousands of young servicemen had returned home from World War II to pick up their lives. With energy never before experienced, industry in the United States expanded to meet peacetime needs. Americans began buying goods not available during the war, which created corporate expansion and jobs. Growth was everywhere and the baby boom was underway. It was a time of optimism in which families desired the best for their children, including Robert and Marjorie (Siereveld) Verburg of Grand Rapids, Michigan, who welcomed their fourth child into their lives on February 17, 1949.

Bob and his three older brothers and two younger sisters attended Mayfield Christian School, where he gained a reputation as somewhat of a tease. He liked to pick on people just to get a rise out of them—but all in good fun. It was part of Bob’s playful spirit and active ways. He was always on the go!

Bob went on to Grand Rapids Christian High School, where at least some of his energy was spent on the swimming team. Some of it went into impressing a fellow classmate, Mary-Jo Datema. They began dating, and their relationship flourished in the years following high school.

After high school graduation, Bob enrolled in a mechanics program at Ferris State College in Big Rapids, Michigan. He found it rather amusing that he earned a degree in heavy equipment and diesel mechanics, because he was not really mechanically inclined, nor did he end up working in the field. Life took a different direction when he and Mary-Jo decided to get married. Even before graduating, the two made their vows on September 6, 1969. After first living in Big Rapids, they moved closer to Grand Rapids, first living at the family cottage on Silver Lake, where Bob had spent many of his summer while growing up.

Bob and Mary Jo soon began their own family and, over the years, they were blessed with four children: Anne, Jebb, Katie and Allyssa. When Bob’s dad needed to reduce his involvement in the family business, he talked Bob into living at the cottage and working for the company. That was the beginning of Bob’s lifetime involvement in the candy business. The Crystal Candy Company was a wholesale candy distribution company that he worked with his brother, Jim, and eventually owned. Little wonder that he was given the nickname, the Candyman.

Candy became Bob’s life and he loved it. He worked hard, enjoyed running a business, liked being his own boss, and had high expectations of his employees. Amazingly, he did not eat a lot of sweets, just fruit flavored candy and licorice but rarely chocolate. He would rather spend time with his customers. Bob’s work ethic not only created a successful business, it inspired his children to value hard work and achievement, qualities that others recognized in the next generation.

Bob’s kids were part of the business from an early age. When they were young, they went with him to the warehouse and played in, on, and around the aisles of candy, perhaps sneaking a treat. As they got older, they helped out more and then started working for their dad, either in the warehouse or on deliveries. As always, they continued to sneak treats.

Candy was often the focus of family vacations, which were spent at the annual candy convention in Boyne, Michigan. Bob was active in the state association for Tobacco and Candy Distributors, at one time serving as its president. When Bob finally sold the business, it gave him satisfaction that it went to another family-owned candy company. He continued working in the candy business while also starting another business, Summit Sales.

As much as the business consumed his day, it never interfered with his life as a husband and parent. The first thing he did every day when he got home from work was hug and kiss his wife. He played with his kids—from board games to cards—and he was in tune with their interests. He was strict but supportive, stern yet full of humor. Bob had high expectations of his children and he demanded respect, but at the same time, they all shared a lot of fun and laughter.

For recreation, Bob bowled on a league for several years, first at Holiday Lanes then at Wengers. He collected miniature liquor bottles, watched Nascar, went to races and played in a fantasy league. He “tooled around” on his tractor, manicuring his immaculate lawn in a very particular pattern. It was a relaxing activity for a man who was content to be at home. Bob didn’t have to go places to have fun, especially when it came to spending time with his grandchildren. He would sneak out of work early in time to see them and play with them.

Integral to all of life was Bob’s faith. It informed his business ethics, his family life and his church activities. He faithfully attended worship and was involved at Sunshine Church, then New Community Church when it started. For someone who was outgoing in business, Bob preferred to live more privately. Yet his faith was evident to all because it was firm and true in his life.

Unexpectedly, Bob suffered a heart attack on June 29th and passed away on Thursday, July 2, 2009. His beloved family was at his side. Their love for a wonderful husband, loving father and attentive grandfather remains strong and deep in their hearts.

Mr. Robert G. Verburg, age 60 of Grand Rapids, was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Marjorie; and by his brother, James Verburg. Bob is survived by his wife, Mary-Jo; their children Anne and Perry Wolfe, Jebb and Kristin Verburg, Katie and David Michell, Allyssa and Tim Shanahan; 9 grandchildren; his brothers and sisters-in-law Richard and Anne Verburg, David and Susan Verburg, Sandy Verburg; sisters and brothers-in-law Susan and John Borgman, Cindy and Fred LeGrand; brother-in-law Dave and Elaine Datema as well as several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. A service to celebrate Bob’s life will be held on Tuesday, July 7 at 12 Noon at New Community Church, 2340 Dean Lake Ave, with his pastor, Rev. Lew VanderMeer officiating. Relatives and friends may visit with his family on Monday from 5-8 PM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home – Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Drive NW. In lieu of flowers, his family suggests memorial contributions to either New Community Church or to the American Heart Association. To share a favorite photo or memory of Bob, or to sign the online register, please visit www.lifestorynet.com