Don Gilcrest

Don Robert Gilcrest, born on July 30, 1930, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and dear friend to many, entered into heaven on August 28, 2015.

Don lived life to the fullest. His abundant kindness, compassion, generosity and selflessness exuded as he met people throughout his work and family life. Don was social, optimistic, non-judgmental and loved to get things going. He was humble and worked hard to provide a wonderful and privileged/blessed life for many. He graduated from Holland High School, served in the National Guard and worked hard to be a successful business man in the Contract Furniture Industry. His quiet, steadfast and solid faith is to be commended through good and bad times, a model to follow for others. He was a member of Christ Memorial Church, The Saladin Shriners, Holland Country Club, and Piper’s Landing Golf Community in Florida. Don enjoyed and supported family activities including skiing, golf, boating, horse showing, fishing trips and traveling. He loved the news, enjoyed a good meal, and his family & friends meant the world to him. He had a heart of gold!

Those that entered heaven before him are his cherished wife Carol, parents William and Evelyn Gilcrest, in laws Henry and Henrietta Helmink; siblings Betty (Warren) Bakker, Jean (Herb) Lugers, Edna (Mike) Bender, Jane Wiersma and Henry Lee (Loretta) Helmink.

He is survived by his children Don Robert (Debbie) Gilcrest II, Joel (Heidi) Gilcrest, and Sallie (Thomas ) Prins; grandchildren Elizabeth (Lloyd) Miller, William (fiancé Haley DeRoo) Prins, Lauren Gilcrest, Alexandra (Matt) Barre, Matthew (Josie) Prins, Emily Gilcrest and Peter Prins; great grandchildren Emmerson, Harper and Lloyd IV. Siblings William (Fran) Gilcrest, Patricia (John) Gogolin, Cecil (Shirley) Helmink, Betty Nyland, Roger Wiersma, many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will take place Tuesday, September 1, 9:30 – 10:45 am, followed by a memorial service at 11:00 am by Reverend Bill Boersma in the chapel at Christ Memorial Church, 595 Graafschap Road in Holland, please use entrance D. A luncheon will follow in the Gathering Place. Memorial contributions may be made to Christ Memorial Church music program or the Saladin Shriners.