Dr. Joseph Brockington

Joseph Lawrence Brockington, Ph. D. passed away unexpectedly on Monday, August 10, 2015. He was born May 7, 1951 in Skokie, IL to Pauline and Ned Brockington. He is survived by his mother, his brother Bill and sister Susan; his wife of 41 years, Catherine, his three boys David, Sam and Andrew, and exchange son Ole; and his grandchildren, Alex, Avery, Ava, Milan, and a set of twins due in December.

Joe studied abroad in Germany during 1967, igniting a passion for the German language. He continued in his studies, graduating with a doctorate from MSU. He began teaching in the German Department at Kalamazoo College in 1979. In 1991 he transitioned to the College’s Center for International Programs and eventually became the Assoc. Provost. During his career, he extensively traveled the globe, creating new partnerships for K-College.

He was a Cub Scout pack leader, a lover of mysteries, a trekkie, and was always ready with a good pun. Joe loved to play his French horn and act in the Vicksburg Rotary Showboat. A lifelong sailor, Joe always looked at ease on the water.

A memorial visitation will be held on Sunday, August 16 from 2 – 5pm at Dykstra Funeral Home-Mulder Chapel, 188 32nd Street, Holland, MI 49423.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, August 17 at 2pm at the First Congregational Church in Saugatuck, 296 Hoffman St, Saugatuck, MI 49453.

More information can be found at: http://www.kzoo.edu/news/we-instead-of-they/.

Contributions may be made to the Saugutuck Yacht Club Sailing Program; PO Box 178 Saugatuck, MI 49453 or the First Congregational Church.