Phillip DeRuiter

An outgoing man with a warm, vibrant personality, Philip DeRuiter touched countless lives throughout his journey. He was a constant source of strength and encouragement, and he never said no to an adventure. Phil’s greatest moments of joy were shared with his friends and family members, and he savored each and every chance to hold his loved ones close. His legacy is one of hard work, determination, and integrity. Although he will be dearly missed, Phil will be forever loved by those who knew him best.

The mid 1940s are remembered as tumultuous years all around the globe as WWII raged on. Many servicemen were called overseas, leaving their homes behind. Those who remained stateside faced strict rationing and listened daily to their radios for news. During such tense times, it was more important than ever to find reasons to celebrate. Nowhere was there more happiness to be found than in the household of Henry and Gertrude DeRuiter of Grand Rapids, Michigan, as they welcomed their second son into their hearts and home. Philip made his entrance into the world on April Fool’s Day, April 1st, of 1944.

Growing up, young Phil was a typical boy of his generation. He was one of four boys in the DeRuiter home and was raised alongside his brothers, Norm, Jack, and Bob. Phil’s earliest years were spent living on Frances Street in Grand Rapids. In 1952, when Phil was eight years old, the family moved down to Florida for one year, living in the 1947 travel trailer they pulled. After returning to Michigan, the DeRuiters settled down in the Burton Heights neighborhood. Phil attended local schools, including Burton School and South High School. He loved reading science fiction books and building model airplanes.

Following his graduation from high school, Phil went on to study design and drawing at the Kendall College of Art and Design in Grand Rapids. He was then drafted into the United States Army. Phil served two years during the Vietnam War, stationed in southeast Asia. He was discharged in September of 1968. The family moved to their home on 48th Street in Grand Rapids, and Phil returned home to live with his mother after his service in the Army. For a time, he worked a variety of odd jobs for short stints of time. Using his experience at Kendall College, Phil began drawing ads for an advertisement company. He then worked at an oil company in Grand Rapids until the company closed.

Phil was able to purchase a farmhouse in Marne, Michigan, giving him more space. He built a barn on the property, where he kept his car collection, and he even had the room to mow a landing strip in the grass to land his model airplanes. Phil moved to Mexico with a handful of friends, intending to start an FBO. He owned a plane of his own and would fly home to Michigan to visit. After two years, Phil returned to live with his mother in Northeast Grand Rapids.

In pursuit of further education, Phil attended Grand Rapids Community College, working towards a degree in computer aided drafting. He continued in his professional career by designing furniture for Hayworth. Phil bought a home in Jenison. After his position at Hayworth was eliminated, Phil started working at Whirlpool in St. Joseph. He purchased his final home in Bangor, where he had plenty of land to store his prized collections. Phil built many model airplanes over the years, and he owned a 1947 Stinson plane as well as an orange Mini Cooper. He enjoyed going to “fly-ins” at several local airports. Travel was one of Phil’s biggest hobbies, and he got to visit Florida, Oshkosh, and many other breathtaking places. He loved taking pictures wherever he went and capturing moments with the people he spent time with. When his health began to decline, Phil moved in with his brother and sister-in-law, living with them for several months. For the next few years, he found a home in Sentinel Pointe before moving into a nursing home in order to receive the support he needed.

All who knew Phillip DeRuiter can certainly attest to his kind spirit and the fierce, unconditional love he held for his family and friends. Everything he did, he did wholeheartedly, and he served as a powerful role model of courage, loyalty, and grit. A beloved son, brother, and uncle, Phil’s family was undoubtedly his greatest treasure. His zest for life was insatiable, and the impact he has left in the lives of those he loved is unforgettable. Phil will be forever remembered and loved, and he will be honored with every memory we share.

Phillip H. DeRuiter, age 82, passed away on Thursday, September 24, 2026. Phillip is survived by brother Jack (Marilyn) DeRuiter; niece Sondra (Bill) VanderGeld, nephews Jerry, Eric, and Tim DeRuiter.Phillip is Preceded in death by his parents Henry and Gertrude; brothers, Norman (Ulla) DeRuiter, Robert DeRuiter and his niece Tammy Petersen.

The service to remember Phillip will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, September 30, 2026 at Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes - Van Strien Creston Chapel, 1833 Plainfield NE. Friends may meet his family at the funeral home on Tuesday from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. and on Wednesday from 10:00 to the start of his funeral. Memorial contribution to the Parkinson Foundation would be appreciated. Please visit www.heritagelifestory.com to read Phillip’s entire life story, sign the guest book or leave a memory.