Serving West Michigan Since 1899
//cdn.lifestorynet.com/obituaries/001/2149/2149-life-panel.jpg

John Blue

December 27, 1946 - January 9, 2004
Holland, MI

//cdn.lifestorynet.com/fh/obituary-default.jpg



Visitation

Monday, January 12, 2004
7:00 PM to 8:00 PM EST
Dykstra Funeral Homes
Northwood Chapel
295 Douglas Avenue
Holland, MI 49424
(616) 392-2348
Driving Directions

Service

Tuesday, January 13, 2004
11:00 AM to 12:00 PM EST
Dykstra Funeral Homes
Northwood Chapel
295 Douglas Avenue
Holland, MI 49424
(616) 392-2348
Driving Directions

Life Story / Obituary


Print

The year was 1946. The post-World War II baby boom had officially begun and in a timely fashion, Doctor Spock wrote his first book on babies. In the world of pop culture, Irving Berlin had a Broadway hit with “Annie Get Your Gun” starring Ethel Merman and Johnny Mercer won an Academy Award for his big band song “Atchison, Topeka and the Santa Fe” from Judy Garland’s movie, “The Harvey Girls.” In December of that year, a couple of girls in Watervliet, Michigan got more than they bargained for at Christmastime… On December 27th, Roberta May and Linda got a baby brother! With the birth of little John Charles, Robert and Lillian Blue’s family was now complete.

What are little boys made of? Ships and snails, and puppy dog tails. That's what little boys are made of.

Little John was 100% boy… From teasing his sisters to spending his summer vacations swimming, fishing and playing Little League Baseball. John was an outgoing and friendly young man while attending Washington School over in nearby Coloma, and this carried through as he entered Coloma High School at the beginning of the ’60s. He was very bright, but not necessarily a great student. He decided to strike out on his own after the 10th grade.

President John F. Kennedy was in the Whitehouse. It was the era of the Civil Rights Movement and Martin Luther King. John Glenn became the first American in space and Johnny Carson began his stint as the host of the “Tonight Show.” “The Hustler” starring Paul Newman and Jackie Gleason hit the theatres. It was about an up-and-coming pool player who takes on a long-time champion in a single high-stakes match. John was coming of age in a hopeful, yet somewhat confusing era. He worked several jobs around Watervliet before moving to Holland in 1969. Shortly thereafter he found a good job as an extrusion press operator at Hydro Automotive. He also met and fell in love with a young lady from the Benton Harbor area. Their marriage did not last, yet John came away with three wonderful kids. Dawn, Kimberly and John David gave him a positive focus in life and so much joy.

He was at his best when family and friends surrounded him. He always sought out the company of others whether on the golf course, in the pool hall or at the bowling alley. He was such an avid pool player that he belonged to several leagues over the years and was a member of the American Pool Association. He had such a good heart, and everyone who knew him could not help but smile every time his “Ya, Buddy!” rang through their ears. Over the years he suffered the loss of his father, Robert Charles, and his sister, Roberta May Otte.

With time, John mellowed into his role as father and eventually as a grandfather. He loved spending time with his two grandchildren, Sean and Dustin. You can almost hear him saying, “Ya Buddy! How about going with me tonight to get a big juicy steak at the Crazy Horse?” He also introduced Sean to the game of golf. He really felt good about the time he was able to spend with them. Lately his golf game had been giving him some trouble so he put his clubs away early and focused more on shooting pool with his friends. Between his beloved steakhouses and breakfasts out with friends he did not eat alone very often!

John was a hard-working man and was into his 34th year at Hydro Automotive.

John passed away on Friday, January 9th at Spectrum Health, Butterworth Campus. He was 57-years old. His children Dawn (Scott) Bergsma of West Olive, Kimberly Blue of Holland, and John David Blue of Holland will miss having their father in their lives. Grandchildren Sean Bergsma, and Dustin Bearup were such a blessing to their Grandpa Blue. He is also survived by his mother, Lillian Lorraine Blue of EauClaire, a sister, Linda Blue, and a brother-in-law William Otte. Nieces and nephews Faith Dowd, Joyce Wendzel, Hope Otte, Bill Otte, Jr., and Pam Candiano survive their uncle along with several cousins.

Friends may join the family on Monday from 7 to 9 PM at the Northwood Chapel, Dykstra Funeral Homes, 295 Douglas Avenue, Holland. A Celebration of Life Service will take place on Tuesday at 11 AM, at the funeral home. Officiating will be the Rev. Adam Barton. He will be buried at the Northshore Memory Gardens in Hager Park. To read John’s life story, share a memory, send flowers or make a memorial contribution, please visit John’s personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com.

God has not promised skies always blue, flower-strewn pathways all our lives through; God has not promised sun without rain, joy without sorrow, peace without pain. But God has promised strength for the day, rest for the labor, light for the way, Grace for the trials, help from above, unfailing sympathy, undying love. – Kriston

"Ya Buddy"… we’ll miss you.