Stanley Hamstra

Stanley Dale Hamstra, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend died Wednesday, April 16, 2014, at Hospice House of Holland, following a courageous battle with cancer.

Stan was born October 5, 1948, the second of five boys, to Gerald and Esther Hamstra in Holland, Mich. He graduated from West Ottawa High School and Ferris State with a degree in Architectural Drafting.

Stan was privileged to serve his community for nine years as a deputy, paramedic, and rescue diver for the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Department. A man with many talents and interests, Stan founded SDH Construction Services, Inc. and was blessed to enjoy success in work he loved. Stan was involved in numerous construction projects in the Holland area, including The Friendship House at Western Seminary, Ridgepoint, Holland Seventh-day Adventist Church, South Olive CRC, Calvary CRC, and his own Beechwood Reformed Church.

Stan actively served his church and community throughout his life. Stan enjoyed canoeing, camping, and time spent with Diane, his children, and grandchildren. An avid canoeist for over 50 years, he enjoyed solo paddling and inspiring others to share his love of the outdoors. Stan’s adventures also included time in the air as a private pilot and scuba diving throughout the Great Lakes and the Caribbean.

Stan is survived by his wife of 44 years, Diane; his children Tamara and David Weaver of Hudsonville, Stacy Hamstra Bird of Holland, and Nathan and Amanda Hamstra of Buffalo, New York; and his fan club of nine grandchildren: Seth, Sam, Caleb, and Ben Weaver (Tamara); Avery, Adel, and Milicent Bird (Stacy); and Carmen and Eli Hamstra (Nathan).

He is also survived by his brothers Jerry (Charlene Mavis) Hamstra of Fruitport, Rick (Jerilynn) Hamstra of Holland, Randy (Joan) Hamstra of Grandville; sister-in law Nan (Jim) Borlick of Holland; step-mother Joyce Hamstra; step-sisters Gail (Lynn) Loncki of Holland and Debra (Gary) Canales of Fennville; step-brother Roger (Connie) Buitendorp of Colo., sisters-in-law Debra Bartman of Grand Rapids and Beth (Warren) Johnson of Lowell; brothers-in-law Jeff (Mary) Barker of Lake and Steve (Janet) Barker of Belmont. He is also survived by many beloved cousins, nieces and nephews.

Stan was preceded in death by his parents Gerald and Esther Hamstra; his father and mother-in-law David and Shirley Barker; brother Kenneth Hamstra; and sister-in-law Darlene Hamstra (Jerry Hamstra).

Please join Stan’s family at Beechwood Reformed Church at 895 Ottawa Beach Road, Holland, Mich. for a time of visitation on Monday, April 21, 2014, from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm, and a funeral service at Beechwood Reformed Church on Tuesday, April 22, 2014, at 11 am. Pastor Jim Lankeet will officiate and burial will take place at Restlawn Memorial Gardens in Holland, Mich.

Contributions in memory of Stan may be direct to Wings of Mercy, where Stan volunteered his services as a pilot, or Hospice House of Holland who provided tender care for Stan in his final hours.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

2 Timothy 4:7-8

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