Gordon Timmerman

Gordon M. Timmerman was a man whose life experiences provided him with a strong work ethic and an appreciation for family. He watched the nation endure the Great Depression, World War II, a cultural revolution, and several other military conflicts. He understood commitment and the satisfaction of a job well done.

Growing up, Gordon learned how to work hard while helping his father on area farms. Gordon's father freelanced his thrashing equipment to other farms and Gordon became very familiar with heavy equipment and tractors. He also worked on the celery farms as a child, and when he was old enough he drove produce to the Chicago markets for a man named George Tellman. Growing up in a rural area gave Gordon many opportunities for recreation as well as hard work. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, and sometimes he and his friends would find time to go skinny dipping down in the bayou behind the cemetery. Gordon attended Hamilton Public Schools through the tenth grade.

Gordon grew up in the Hamilton Christian Reformed Church, but occasionally he and his friends would go to East Saugatuck Christian Reformed Church to meet new girls. It was there that Gordon met a young lady named Hilda Bakker. The other boys would express their interest to the ladies by offering them peppermints, but Gordon knew a good thing when he saw it and wasted no time, inviting Hilda out for ice cream. Hilda accepted and the couple quickly hit it off, frequenting Fabiano's in Holland. They dated for a few years and then, on April 28, 1939, they exchanged wedding vows under an arch that their friend Harold Ortman made for the occasion. The ceremony took place at Hilda's parents' home, and, like many young couples married during that time, they did not travel on a honeymoon.

Gordon worked for Holland Motor express for a short period of time, and later for Holland Furnace. Soon after their marriage he began driving for Associated Truck Lines. He stayed with that company for over thirty-five years and was very proud of his thirty-year safe driving record. He retired in 1960.

Gordon and Hilda had plans to build a home for themselves on the Timmerman family property. The young couple constructed a garage house with outdoor plumbing to use as a temporary residence. Their first son, Allen, was born while they lived there. Five years later their permanent house was completed, and a few years after that, their second son, Warren, was born. The young family enjoyed spending time together and Gordon, always supportive of his sons, loved taking them hunting and fishing. Gordon also encouraged Warren's musical talents, purchasing a spinet organ for him and later a consol model. In 1978 the family moved to Holland to take advantage of opportunities there for Warren. They joined Maranatha Christian Reformed Church.

Gordon and Hilda enjoyed traveling around the United States. One memorable trip was to Yakama, Washington, to visit Hilda's brother. The crew traveled in a 1956 turquoise and white Ford hardtop. Even though their vehicle lacked air conditioning, Gordon and Hilda kicked back and enjoyed the ride as Allen drove the entire way. The family of four also traveled to New York City and Washington, D.C. Hilda and Gordon spent many winters in Clearwater, Florida, and enjoyed many pleasant hours at a mobile home park with friends who also belonged to the Michigan Club, sharing dinners and playing cards. Gordon himself was partial to organ music and country western music. He liked to read Reader's Digest and especially enjoyed playing golf with his buddies.

Gordon is survived by his wife, Hilda; two sons, Allen (Nancy) Timmerman of Holland and Warren Timmerman of Grand Rapids; two grandchildren, Kevin Timmerman, of Holland, and Julie (Steven) Meyaard, of Zeeland; five great grandchildren, Twins, Dalton and Jaden, Casey, Chaz, and Courtland Meyaard, all of Zeeland; a brother, Laverne (Erma) Timmerman of Allegan; sisters-in-law Ann Ortman, Janet Bakker, and Erlene Bakker of Holland, and Fannie Bakker of Grand Rapids; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Gordon passed away on Friday, March 19, 2004, at Hospice House of Holland. He was preceded in death by an infant granddaughter, Renae Timmerman. He was ninety years old.

Friends will be received on Sunday, March 21, from 2 - 4 PM at the Downtown Chapel, Dykstra Funeral Homes, 29 E Ninth Street, Holland. Funeral services will be held on Monday, March 22, at 1:30 PM, at Maranatha Christian Reformed Church, 918 Central Ave., with the Rev. John De Vries officiating. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery, Hamilton. To read Gordon's complete life story, share a memory, send flowers, or make a memorial contribution to either the Hospice of Holland or Maranatha C.R.C. Memorial Fund, please visit his personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com.

Although they will miss him, Gordon leaves his friends and loved ones with sweet memories of his commitment, his love, and his support.