Bob Nash

Bob Nash was a man of action. If there was a problem to solve, he was happy to be on the case. When it came to building projects, you can guess that Bob was the first man on board. He was organized and always willing to lend a helping hand. Bob was also a man of many hats. Although he was a concrete man all his life, he was able to take on a new role when his daughter Kathy was delivering her second child. Bob was there for her, and tenderly stood beside her side as her birthing coach.

Born in the 1930's, Bob grew up during difficult times. The Great Depression had begun in 1929 and America was trying to dig its way out of the financial destruction of the stock market crash. Bob was the sixth of nine children born into his family in Holland, Michigan. Their home was on the north side of Holland where he fondly remembered the old Romar Boat Company being nearby. After he graduated from the old Beechwood School, he enlisted in the United States Army where he proudly served our country. Upon his return, he worked in brick laying and at Lankheet Pools. Soon, he landed himself a wonderful job with Holland Elzinga and Volkers where he remained for 25 years before retiring as their construction manager.

As a young working man, Bob met the beautiful Gladys Piers at the Moose Lodge. She stole Bob's heart and he was thrilled when she agreed to give him her hand in marriage. They were wed on October 14, 1966. They welcomed their son Mike into their family in 1967 followed by their daughter Kathy in 1969. Bob looked forward to the family trips to Lakeview Campsite in Ludington, Michigan. He loved the great outdoors and being there with his family was even better. While at camp, he was always the camp cook. He also found time to spend on his other passions, swimming, hunting and fishing. He did it all while camping.

Having children was great and having grandchildren was also a magnificent time in Bob's life. He loved being with them, helping with their homework, working through mathematical equations, playing outdoors and just being a great Granddad.

Bob Nash was a man who loved the Lord. He had been a long time member of Beechwood Reformed Church in his hometown of Holland. Although he didn't go around preaching his beliefs, he lived them out in his everyday life. Bob accepted everyone. He was a kind and loving husband, father, grandfather and friend and he will be deeply missed.

Bob Nash, age 72, of Holland, MI. died Saturday June 24, 2006 at Holland Hospital. His family includes: wife of 39 years Gladys Nash; children; Mike and Cyndi Nash of Holland, MI., Kathy Taylor of Holland, MI., eight grandchildren, one great grandchild, brothers and sisters, Donna Van Slooten of Holland, MI., Ethelyn Johnson of Holland, Dorothy Van Oort of Holland, MI., June and Glenn DeJonge of Holland, MI., Jack and Virginia Nash of Holland, MI., Mary Lou and Burton Smith of West Olive, MI., Terry Nash of Fennville, MI., in-laws Edna Nash of West Olive, George and Barb Piers Spring Lake, MI., several nieces, nephews and cousins. Services will be 11 am Wednesday at The Northwood Chapel Dykstra Life Story Funeral home with The Rev. Marvin Beukelman officiating. Burial will be in Restlawn Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Visiting will be from 6-9 pm Tuesday at Dykstra Funeral Home Northwood Chapel 295 Douglas Ave. Holland, MI. Memorials may be made to Beechwood Reformed Church and Holland Home Heath Care. Please visit Bob's personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com for further information and an online registry.