Morris “Morrie" Ray Tubergen

Morris “Morrie” Ray Tubergen, age 91 of Grand Haven, formerly of Holland and West Olive, MI, passed away on Sunday, February 18, 2024. Morrie, the youngest of four children, was born on November 1, 1932 in Fremont, MI, to the late Ben and Fannie (Scott) Tubergen.

Morrie graduated from Fremont High School and Calvin College, where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in education. He then received a master’s degree in counseling from Western Michigan University. While attending Calvin College, he met his future wife of 66 years, Sylvia Bos, participating in their many shared interests. They were married on November 23, 1957, in Grand Rapids, MI.

Morrie excelled in track and cross country and was All State while at Fremont High. Morrie’s (aka, “FLASH”) success continued, and he received the Bere’ Memorial Award as the outstanding Senior Male athlete in 1955 at Calvin University. Morrie served as a Youth Director at the Pontiac YMCA, a Program Director at Camp Roger, and Math Teacher and Coach at Kalamazoo South Christian.

Morrie was owner of Borr’s Bootery in Holland and Grand Haven (1967 – 1998). He served as President of the Holland Rotary Club, President of the Michigan Shoe Retailers, Chairman of the Holland Chamber of Commerce, Board Member of First of America Bank, and as a member of Consistory at Third Reformed Church and Beechwood Reformed.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Morrie was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was a man of faith and a quiet source of strength and encouragement for family and friends alike. Morrie enjoyed theater and was a member of the Holland Civic Theater and Readers Theatre Group in Holland and Grand Haven. He was immensely proud of his time as a mentor in the Kids Hope Program. Morrie was passionate about tennis, pickleball, and bicycling and remained active throughout his life.

Although now in Heaven, Morrie is much loved and will be greatly missed by his three children: son, Bret (Allison Preston)Tubergen; two daughters, Dawn (David) Richardson and Heather (Tim) Hoezee; grandchildren: Greyson Tubergen, Arielle (Alex) (Richardson) MacDonald, Gabe Richardson, Lauren and Ben Hoezee; great-grandchildren: Jackson and Damian Richardson, and Adelaide and Aleenah MacDonald; sister-in-law, Sally (Bos) Henshaw; brother-in-law, Wayne (Cynthia) Muller; and many cherished nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Sylvia (Bos) Tubergen; and siblings: Alvin Tubbergen, Harold Tubergen, and Maxine (Mickey Tubergen) Ceton.

A Memorial Celebration of Life Service for Morrie will take place at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at Klaassen Family Funeral Home with Pastor Marshall Holtvluwer officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Interment will be at Grand Haven Township Historic Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Kids Hope USA (https://kidshopeusa.org/donate/).

** The Celebration of Life Service for Morrie will be live streamed beginning at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 20, 2024.

Please click here to view:

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