Randy L. Rysdyk

Randy Rysdyk was a warm and friendly man. He was easy to talk to and always willing to join in a conversation. He was a real people person.

Randy was born and raised in Grand Rapids, MI. His parents, Frank and Helen (Hein) Rysdyk were thrilled to welcome him into the family on June 23, 1957. Randy was the youngest in the family and he shared his childhood memories with his older brother, Roger and his older sister, Janice. In the1950's, America was undergoing dramatic changes. Equal education was beginning to be implemented and integration had begun across the nation. As a youngster, Randy enjoyed attending Kent Hill Elementary School where he made many friends and enjoyed learning the basics of reading and writing. After elementary school, Randy went to Creston High School. He was a successful high school graduate and he was anxious to continue on to higher education. As a young man, Randy attended Grand Rapids Junior College and then Grand Valley State University.

Reading remained a life long passion for Randy. He preferred reading about his favorite subjects of astronomy and the Civil War. Much of Randy's life was centered around those two subjects. Anytime there was a Civil War bus trip scheduled, Randy wanted to be on the list of attendees. He loved the historical knowledge he gained and shared with others along the way. Learning about the world beyond our planet was a subject that never stopped fascinating him. He couldn't learn enough about the subject of astronomy. He owned his own telescope and it became his prized possession. Studying the stars and locating the far off planets were continually intriguing to a man with a thirst for knowledge.

As a professional, Randy was always a very responsible and conscientious employee. He worked in the field of security and held a security position at numerous places of employment. He spent time working at Best Products, North Kent Mall, Grand Rapids Public Museum and at Metro Health. Metro Health was his latest place of employment, as well as his favorite. Randy loved working for the hospital and he was very enthusiastic about the new hospital being built. Having a comfortable place to work was a real bonus for Randy. He enjoyed the many opportunities to strike up conversations with coworkers, patients and their families. He was always quick on his feet when it came to witty conversation.

While at home, Randy relaxed in the comfort of his own space. He shared his home with his beloved cat, Miss Molly. He loved cats and always enjoyed the company of the purring, furry little creatures. Once spring came, he looked forward to getting outdoors. Planting flowers was something he planned on doing each year. Planting the flowers each spring was a way for him to welcome the changing of the seasons.

Randy was fortunate to not only travel on the Civil War bus trips, but also to go on many relaxing and all-inclusive ocean cruises. He took advantage of bachelor life by getting out and seeing the world. Seeing the world was not his only purpose in traveling, he also took occasional trips out to California. California is where his brother Roger lives, as well as, his niece Gina and nephew Daryl. His sister, Janice remained in Grand Rapids and Randy was able to see her from time to time, as well as, on special holidays.

Randy will be dearly missed by his family and by his many wonderful friends. He will also be missed by his special cat, Miss Molly.

Mr. Randy L. Rysdyk, age 48, passed away on Saturday, April 8, 2006 following a brave battle with cancer. He is survived by his sister Janice Rysdyk of Grand Rapids, his brother Roger Rysdyk, niece Gina Rysdyk and nephew Daryl Rysdyk, all of California. Funeral services will be held Thursday at 1:00p.m. at the Knapp St. Reformed Church, 4025 Knapp St N.E. with Rev. Allen Pickett officiating. Interment in Fairplains Cemetery. Friends may meet the family on Wednesday at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home - Van Strien Creston Chapel from 2:00p.m.-4:00p.m. and 7:00p.m.-9:00p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the Knapp St. Reformed Church Memorial Fund, 4025 Knapp N.E. 49525 or a charity of one's choice. You may sign the guestbook, read Randy's lifestory, or leave a memory by visiting www.lifestorynet.com.