Brian Eliot Heyer

Brian Eliot Heyer, 63, of Grand Haven, a devoted husband, father, son, veteran, and lifelong outdoorsman, passed away on Sunday, January 4, 2026. He was born on November 28, 1962, in Grand Rapids, MI, to Harvey and Mary (Sowerby) Heyer. Brian married Lorna Johnson on May 20, 1995, in Fennville, MI.

He leaves behind a legacy defined by his service to his country and his deep love for the quiet beauty of Michigan's woods and waters. A graduate of Spring Lake High School, Brian's journey of lifelong learning took him through Muskegon Community College, Northern Michigan University, and Central Michigan University.

Brian went on to honorably serve his country in the United States Air Force from 1987 to 1992, reaching the rank of Airman 1st Class. His military service shaped his professional life, as he spent many years as a laboratory technician and skilled phlebotomist; a career he learned in the Air Force. He worked for Holland Hospital and Spectrum Health before finishing his career in mechanical maintenance at US Steel and Tyson Foods.

Brian's soul was most at home being outdoors. He cherished the time spent hunting with his son, Matt, and found a unique peace in "rock-hounding and polishing his findings." He was a regular on the shores of Lake Superior, where he spent hours searching for the glow of "Yooperlites." Closer to home, Brian could often be found with a line in the water at his favorite fishing spot: his mom's neighbor's dock along the Grand River. He also loved sci-fi novels and TV shows. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew his steady hand and kind spirit.

Brian is survived by his wife of 30 years, Lorna; his two sons, Matt and Josh; his mother, Mary; his brother, Chris (Sarah); his sister, Melissa (Mark Oza); two nieces and six grand-nieces and grand-nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Harvey G. Heyer.

The Celebration of Life for Brian will take place at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at Klaassen Family Funeral Home with his best friend, David Miller, officiating. Full Military Honors will be performed by the American Legion, Charles A. Conklin Post 28. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Interment will be at Grand Haven Township Historic Cemetery at a later date.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Lymphoma Foundation of America.

In honor of Brian's final journey, his family remembers him through the Fisherman's Prayer:
"God grant that I may live to fish until my dying day.
And when it comes to my last cast,
I then most humbly pray:
When in the Lord's great landing net and peacefully asleep,
That in His mercy I be judged big enough to keep."

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