Leonard "Ron" Kik

Ron Kik loved life. A lover of all people, he saw the good in others and valued the importance of a strong work ethic. He made many lasting friendships during his lifetime and wanted nothing more than to share his time and resources with others. His legacy of being kind and generous will be treasured by his close friends and loved ones.

1942 was a period of time marked by WWII. During the years of Franklin D. Roosevelt, Leonard W. and Gladys (Robinson) Kik were pleased to announce the birth of their twelfth child, Leonard Ronald, on April 1st, in Grant, Township, Michigan. Joining his four older brothers and seven older sisters, his birth brought much joy and promise in an era of great change. Later, his younger sister completed the family.

Ron spent must of his youth in Grand Rapids on Newberry NE where he lived a typical childhood of the times. He attended Hastings Elementary before transferring to Plymouth Christian and later ended up at Creston High. Being one of the youngest allowed him some freedom and independence. Ron was an easy kid to raise and enjoyed playing with his siblings and neighborhood friends. As a family, they attended the Netherlands Reformed Congregation and valued a strong Christian foundation. When he was of age, Ron enlisted in the United States Navy and proudly served his country for four years as a postal clerk on the USS Chicaskia. Most of his time at sea was spent around Cuba. That time period in his life left a lasting impression. In his later years, he would go to the ship reunions and his license plate was always the number of the ship.

Once back at home, Ron found work in several local factories. He worked for Bell Fiber as well as the City of Grand Rapids, in the sewer maintenance department, and plowing snow in the winter. Ron later drove a box truck and made deliveries for S. Abraham and Sons. He found his passion in being on the road which led to expediting routes across the country. Not to be forgotten was the meeting of Joyce Cummings who stole his heart forever. She was a friend of his sister and they hit it off right from the start. After a short courtship, they married on August 20, 1965, at Bristolwood Chapel. They took a romantic honeymoon to Niagara Falls before settling back into an apartment in town. During their early years, Ron took additional work with his brothers in California building A-frame homes and working on the railroad. Eventually, they bought their family home in Grand Rapids where they could be closer to family.

Although he and Joyce never had children of their own, they loved spending time with their nieces and nephews. Always up for an adventure, they would often babysit and treat them to fun things to do around town. Ron was an active member of his extended family and was known to be a practical joker whenever they were surrounded by loved ones. Their cottage on Big Star Lake was a gathering spot on countless weekends in the warm summer months. Ron and Joyce loved hosting friends and family to their sanctuary over the years. He absolutely loved nature and spending time outdoors or on the water. There was never a dull moment with Ron around! Everyone was guaranteed a good time with lots of laughter!

In addition to his work, he enjoyed many special pastimes. He tried his hand at golfing, fishing, and hunting, although he was never very successful. He and Joyce bowled on a league for several years to socialize and enjoy being active. Ron was very handy and was never afraid to take on a project or two around the house. Over the years, he helped countless friends and family with home repairs and handiwork, yet his own home always had at least one or two things that were incomplete! He enjoyed the tinkering and elbow grease, but his own home always took a second place to help out someone else in need. He loved reminiscing about his growing years by watching old television shows from the fifties and sixties. Reruns as well as the nightly game shows were his favorite. When he wasn’t watching TV or putzing around in his garden, he enjoyed assembling puzzles.

Ron and Joyce were members of the Third Reformed Church for many years. He treasured his time in volunteer roles including helping with meals or driving others to appointments. About ten years ago, Ron started going to Free Reformed Church, where he rekindled several of his childhood friendships. Described as humble, humorous, and supportive, Ron will be deeply missed. His special friends and family will always remember him for his genuine kindness and compassion toward others. May his special memories continue to warm their hearts whenever they are gathered together for generations to come.

Leonard Ronald Kik, “Ron”, age 81 of Grand Rapids, was called home to his Lord and Savior on June 20, 2023. He is survived by his wife, Joyce; brother, John Kik; sister, Rachel Sturrus; and numerous nieces and nephews. Ron was preceded in death by his brothers Wendell, Marlin and Dale; sisters Yvonne Spruit, Marian Klenk, Nora Luccese, Dorothy VanHouten, Wanda Murray, Shirley Sheckler, and Beth Miller. His funeral service will be held on Tuesday, June 27 at 11 AM at Free Reformed Church, 950 Ball Avenue NE where friends are invited to visit with his family beginning at 9:30 AM. To share a memory or to sign his guestbook, visit www.heritagelifestory.com