Richard “Rick” R. Boyink

Richard “Rick” R. Boyink, age 77 of Grand Haven, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, September 6, 2023 in Grand Haven. Born August 16, 1946, in Grand Haven, he was the son of Bernie and Charlotte (Moll) Boyink. He was a graduate of Grand Haven High School, where he played basketball.

Rick worked with his father at West Michigan Sound in Muskegon and helped with the initial sound setup for the Grand Haven Musical Fountain, rowing across the river at night to help. Professionally, Rick was a sales manager and executive for several Fortune 500 companies in the technology industry, working for Data General for most of his career. He excelled at numbers and managing people, which led to working as a business consultant.

He had a thirst for life like no other. With a scotch in hand and a mischievous smile, he went through life with a sense of adventure and lived it to the fullest, skidding into the grave in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out and saying, "What a ride!"

Rick lived in many places, California, Massachusetts, and Arizona, but always came home to Grand Haven. His support of the community was long and deep, from the Musical Fountain, to the boardwalk, rebuilding the pier, participating in the Coast Guard parade, rotary club services, and finishing as Exalted Ruler of the Grand Haven Elks Lodge #1200, a position he held dearly, following in his father’s footsteps. In addition to serving the city he loved, he also sat on several boards and was president of many associations.

Rick was an avid collector of Southwestern art and all things Mickey Mouse. His greatest pursuit was on the golf course, where he played courses throughout the world and continued weekly until the end. He was a devoted uncle who came to football games, attended fencing tournaments, and danced with his nieces when they married.

Rick is survived by his longtime significant other, Susie Penning; son, Brad (Jim Swarts) Boyink; niece/honorary daughter, Beth (Durke) Redman; ex-wife, Linda (Dave) Bulson; sister-in-law, Betty Boyink (Rob) Roberts; nieces, Beverly (Jeff) Williams and Barb (Charlie) Sears; and great-nieces and great-nephews: Lindsey (Callan) Sherd, Sarah (Florian) Kollment, Amanda (Tyler) Firlit, Rose Sears, Grace Sears, Oscar Redman, and Alex Redman.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Brent Boyink.

A Celebration of Life Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 9, 2023, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at Klaassen Family Funeral Home, followed by a farewell toast from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Elks Lodge #1200. Interment will be at Lake Forest Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Grand Haven Elks Lodge #1200 Building Fund.

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