Douglas Blik

LIFESTORY:

Douglas Marvin Blik was a Christ-centered, big-hearted man, who used his gifts in service to others. His children, grandchildren, friends, co-workers, church members, and fellow citizens were mutually enriched by his life of faithful devotion to God.

Doug was born to Marvin and Frances (Driesens) Blik in Grand Rapids, Michigan on December 11, 1946, in the year following a long-awaited end to World War II. As Americans worked hard to rebuild the country and make life good for their children, Doug’s father supported the family as a tool and die maker with Monarch Machinery on Michigan Street NE, while his mother cared for six children at home. Early baby pictures of Doug show him with curly hair, an attribute that made his dad uncomfortable because people often mistook him for a girl. So Dad shaved his son’s head, but when the hair grew back, it was straight and remained that way ever after.

Doug was “big brother” to Ken, Paul, Tim, Judy and Barb, all growing up in a large two-story home at 1140 Dick Street NW, where Doug and Ken shared the middle bedroom. As a family, the eight of them enjoyed time together, whether at home or on the road. They liked to camp at Burt Lake State Park and Pioneer State Park, and Christmas was always spent with the Bliks. Being part of a close family made an impression on Doug that stayed with him throughout his life.

Doug attended Oakleigh Elementary School and Union High School for two years before transferring to Kenowa Hills High School. His school years were filled with sports of all kinds, including baseball, softball and basketball. He received a varsity letter for basketball in 1965, the year he graduated from Kenowa Hills. Doug went on to Ferris State College in Big Rapids, Michigan, where he earned a degree in teaching. However, his life took a different turn when he was drafted into the U.S. Army on June 20, 1972.

After basic training in San Francisco, Doug was sent to Germany and served as Military Police for several years. By the time he was honorably discharged on June 13, 1978, Doug had made at least two major decisions that impacted his future.

Doug had been a teacher in Hart, Michigan long enough to influence students as an educator and a coach of football, basketball and track. However, he gave up teaching and began to work for Meijer Inc., ultimately making it his career. Because of Doug’s teaching abilities, he often served as a trainer for new employees and was himself a valued employee for a total of 40 years (retiring in 2007).

While working at one of the Meijer stores, Doug had met a young woman named Lynnette, and the two of them began dating. It wasn’t too long before they decided to get married, and they made their vows in April 1976 at Richmond Reformed Church. They honeymooned in Florida, visiting Disney World and Busch Gardens before returning home to a small rental apartment on 1040 Park Street. A short time later, they bought a home at 1256 Barbara Street NW. They were true West Siders, becoming active in Richmond Reformed Church as Doug had been at his previous church, Seventh Reformed.

At Richmond Reformed, Doug served in many leadership positions—elder, deacon, Sunday school teacher—and he played in the hand bell choir, worked the sound system, sang in the choir, and helped with the kids’ praise team. Doug’s life of faith was nurtured in word and song through such books as the Left Behind series and all kinds of praise music. In fact, his collection of Praise and Worship CDs was so well used, he could identify all the vocalists, when the CD was recorded, what track a certain song was on and how long it played.

Doug and Lynnette were blessed with three sons, Jason, Jonathon and Jeremy. They each have fond memories of vacations spent at such fun places as Cedar Point and Great America amusement parks. Doug was a great parent, very invested in the lives of his kids.

Even though Doug and Lynnette divorced in 1994, they remained close friends and stayed involved with their children and grandchildren. “Papa” to his grandkids, Doug loved his role. He could indulge his grandkids in his favorite activities, like eating ice cream shakes, dining at Logan’s or the Olive Garden, or showing off his coin collection. Whereas in his childhood, Doug was never into soccer, but he took an active interest in the game when his grandchildren started to play. Then he never missed a game that any of them played. Whenever they looked to the side line, Papa was always there.

Doug’s children and grandchildren will miss him greatly, even as they thank God for the gift of his life and the legacy of his faith.

Mr. Douglas M. Blik, age 62, of Grand Rapids, walked into the glory of the Lord on Saturday, June 27, 2009. He is survived by his children, Jason and Kelley Blik, Jonathon Blik, Jeremy and Emily Blik; his grandchildren, Christian, Tyler, Hali, Kendalyn, Hayden; his mother, Frances Blik; and close friend, Lynnette Gavin; brothers and sisters Ken Blik, Paul Blik, Tim Blik, Judy Walker, Barb Winski; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father, Marvin Blik, in 1996. A service to celebrate Doug’s life will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, July 1, 2009 at Richmond Reformed Church, 1814 Walker Ave. NW. Friends may meet his family on Tuesday, from 2-4 PM and 7-9 PM at the Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes – Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW. Interment in Washington Park Memorial Gardens. Memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to read archive a memory or photo of Doug or to sign the guestbook before coming to the funeral home.