Raymond Ter Beek

Raymond Arthur Ter Beek, age 99 of Holland, died Monday, October 28, 2012 at Heritage Nursing Home in Zeeland.

Born in Holland, Ray was raised in the area that is now called Dunton Park in Holland Township. As a boy, living close to the lake was a plus, especially if you loved to fish, and Ray did. He also loved to hunt. One other love of Ray's was the great American game of baseball. As Ray grew older, he developed into quite a player, even playing semi pro for Holland's own baseball team!

Ray’s whole family were talented singers and were active in their church choir. When Ray became old enough to sing in the church, he was expected to sing as well, and became very proficient singing solos at both weddings and funerals.

Ray met his first wife Betty Kline while working for his future father-in-law making furniture before the depression. He later became a licensed ship carpenter and was employed by Chris Craft until his retirement in the early 1980s.

Together Ray and Betty had their only child Bruce. In the early 1950’s they lived in a home off of Lugers Road and most recently lived in Greenbriar Apartments on Waverly Road.

Sadly, Betty preceded Ray in death as well as his second wife Janet Haverdink, and third wife Angela Koops. He was also preceded in death by his daughter-in-law, Ruth Ter Beek in 2010.

Ray is survived by his son Bruce (Nancy) Ter Beek of Holland, grandchildren; Drs. Ann and Rusty Brand of Eau Claire, Wisc., Sara Ter Beek of Holland, Todd and Megan Bartley and Matthew and Katherine Leclercq, great grandchildren; Elisabeth Ann Brand, Rusty Charles Brand, Noah Bartley, Joshua Bartley, Zachary Bartley, Alex Leclercq and Jillian Leclercq.

Funeral services will be held Friday 2:00PM at First Reformed Church, 630 State Street with Rev.s Dr. Dan Gillett and Corwin Stoppel officiating. Burial will be in Pilgrim Home Cemetery.

Visitation will be Thursday 6-9 PM at the Northwood Chapel, Dykstra Funeral Homes, 295 Douglas Ave. as well as 1 hour prior to the service at the church.

Memorial gifts may be given to First Reformed Church Memorial Fund.

Please visit www.dykstrafuneralhome.com to sign an online registry or to leave a memory.