William "Bill" Douma

Strong, steadfast, and unwavering in his devotion to his faith, his family, and the community he called home throughout his entire life, there was no one who met William “Bill” Douma who wasn't left with fond memories. He was known for his quick wit and his fun-loving sense of humor, and he was also blessed with the gift of gab, especially when there were ladies around. Bill simply had a way of bringing any room to life, and he was the sort of person whom everyone seemed to know. A more devoted husband and father would be hard to find, but he just may have argued that becoming a grandfather and great-grandfather was the gift of a lifetime. Bill had an impeccable work ethic, and he was a firm believer in doing something right the first time. He leaves behind a timeless legacy that is deeply rooted in faith, selfless love, and unconditional respect for others that will be proudly carried on by those who follow in his footsteps.

Although the 1920s were a prosperous decade, the 1930s were a much different story as the entire decade fell victim to the soaring unemployment rate, a near two year drought, and cities, communities, and families who struggled to make ends meet during the Great Depression. It was just as this decade was dawning that Martin and Lena Douma were pleased to announce the birth of their baby boy on March 20, 1930. Born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan, William Martin was the 11th of 12 children, joined in his family by his three brothers and eight sisters. He was a delight to his parents and could do no wrong in their eyes. For a time the Doumas lived on Tamarack, but they later moved to a home on White Street on the Northwest side of the city. Bill attended local schools including Union High School where he competed in the pole vault.

Not to be forgotten during his years in high school was Bill’s introduction to his one, true love. Her name was Dawn Marie Hessel, and she was one year his junior at Union. They began dating, and they were an active couple who often went to school sporting events or went ice skating and sledding. After graduating from high school Bill set about working at a print shop making just 70 cents an hour. Their love continued to grow, and with a desire to establish a life together Bill and Dawn were married on May 10, 1952, at St. Johns Evangelical Church. After a honeymoon in Chicago the newlyweds settled into their home on Ferris where they started their family of four children, Deborah, Diane, William II, and Darlene. Sixteen years later, they move to Barbara Street where they continued to raise their children and live for many years.

With a father-in-law who worked for the police department, Bill came to see this as a good line of work and applied for a job. He ended up making a career that spanned 34 years there before retiring in 1989. Because there were already several Bills in the department, he was called “Sam,” and it stuck throughout his entire career. During the early years he sometimes was part of the police ambulance crew where he had to help deliver babies a few times. Bill worked his way up the ladder over the years, eventually becoming a sergeant. He always looked for the duties that had the most action. In fact, he could have advanced even further, but he enjoyed being out on the street. For a time he was in charge of Unit 21. He was selected to help guard both President Ford as well as Senator Bobby Kennedy when they visited Grand Rapids. Bill had some scary experiences through the years, but he was a great boss who enjoyed his work. For four years he was president of the local Fraternal Order of Police, and he was also in the National Guard, a member of the Shriners, and a lifetime member of the Casino Club.

Bill’s family was always his priority. When working nights he came home to make breakfast for his children most days as well as their lunches if needed. Sundays were family days when they went for rides to do special things or to visit family or friends. Together Bill and Dawn were a social couple who were often with friends and enjoyed dancing or playing cards. For years they kept a trailer on Wolf Lake, which provided the backdrop for numerous family memories including hours spent on the speed boat with kids skiing off the back and later pontoon boat. During the winter they had fun together with snowmobiles. Around the home Bill was organized and meticulous, especially when it came to his lawn. He often made check lists to keep things straight. After taking a Dale Carnegie course, Bill became highly fluent at public speaking and spoke at several events including master of ceremony at his class reunions. He also helped others in creating a variety of speeches. Having been raised in the faith by his parents, Bill carried that tradition on with his own children, and they faithfully attended Orchard Hill Church.

During his retirement years Bill continued to live life to the fullest. He and Dawn spent more time traveling, enjoying cruises, taking trips to Branson, Missouri, and spending three weeks in Kissimmee each winter. They eventually moved to a condo. Through the years Bill always made time to pause for a “meeting” or a timeout for a beer or cocktail. With a deep love for his grandchildren, Bill always made it to their events and activities.

About seven years ago, Bill’s oldest grandson died, and this seemed to trigger a downfall in Bill’s health. He was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. With the help of his wife and family, and eventually Spectrum Health Hospice, he was able to remain home where he passed away surrounded by those he loved.

All who knew William Douma would agree that every minute spent with him was simply a joy. He was a stranger to none and a friend to all with unending love for his family. Bill was known for his work ethic, his attention to detail, and his love for life, but most of all he will be remembered for his strong faith. He will never be forgotten.

William Martin Douma, age 84 of Grand Rapids, passed away February 21, 2015. He was the 11th of 12 children. He was often known as "Sam" while serving in the Grand Rapids Police Department for 34 years. Bill was a loving and dedicated husband, father, brother, grandfather and great grandfather who will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. Bill is survived by his wife of 63 years, Dawn Marie (Hessel); children Deborah (Denny) Anderson, Diane (Bill) Herrmann, William II and fiancee Sue Willemsen, Darlene (Dave) Crinion; grandchildren Amy Dawn (Ben) Hobbie, Kenneth William (Natina) Herrmann, Ryan William (Sarah) Herrmann, William Robert "Wil" Douma, Isaac James Ulanowicz, Danielle Dawn Ulanowicz, Jacob David Crinion, Ashley Marie Crinion; great grandchildren Kaileigh Rae Anderson, Levi Benjamin Hobbie, Michaela Renee Dykstra, Addison Lee Herrmann; sister Catherine (Harold) VanderZouwen; sister-in-law Dorothy Hessel and many nieces, nephews and friends. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Martin and Lena Douma; grandson, Lee William Anderson; sisters and brothers Genevieve Douma, George (Pryna) Douma, Leonard (Alice) Douma, Theresa (Henry) Dyksterhouse, infant Leona Douma, Leona (Henry) Mulder, Martin Douma Jr., Nellie (Marvin) Post, Wilma (Evert) Erickson, Martha (Henry) Harberts; and brother-in-law Charles Robert Hessel. The service to remember and celebrate Bill's life will be held at 11 AM on Tuesday, February 24, 2015 at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home - 2120 Lake Michigan Drive NW where friends may visit with his family on Monday from 2-4 and 6-8 PM, and on Tuesday from 10 AM until the service. For those who wish, memorial contributions to either Cystic Fibrosis Foundation or Spectrum Health Hospice are appreciated. To read more about Bill's life, to share a memory or to sign his guestbook, visit www.lifestorynet.com