Randy Verburg

Randy Verburg brightened the lives of all who knew him along with countless others who were lucky enough to cross paths with him. Randy opened his heart to anyone who needed help, encouragement, or inspiration. He was a role model in many ways. Caring, kind, thoughtful, fun, a loving husband and father, and always a hard worker. Randy and his positive impact on family and friends is a gift that will be remembered and cherished forever.

Randy’s life began on January 15, 1973 in Kalamazoo, MI. He was an instant favorite for his Mom and Dad, Henry “Hank” and Sue (Cunningham) Verburg, and for his sisters, Amanda and Tammy. Make no mistake about it, being the youngest and the only boy in the family made Randy a favorite from day one. He was special to his mom as the only boy, and to his sisters as their little brother.

Growing up in the 70’s was special too. The Vietnam War was ending and America was once again looking forward to peace and happiness. Times in Kalamazoo were good and Randy enjoyed being every bit a fun-loving boy. He enjoyed school, his family and friends, and especially loved playing baseball. Even at a young age, Randy was motivated. Swinging the bat and running the bases was pure bliss for him. He loved being a boy and having all the fun boys have growing up.

As Randy got older and entered Loy Norrix High School he discovered girls—and they quickly became more interesting to him than baseball! From then on he had one pretty gal or another on his arm pretty much all the time through high school and after. Until one fateful day, it was October 21st, 1990, when he met the gal he fell in love with. Randy had asked his sister, Tammy, to get the phone number of this “one certain girl”. He made the phone call and the voice on the other end of the line turned out to be Tammy’s friend, Tiffany Wilmarth. Well, that was it! Love at first phone call! Randy’s dating days were over. He and Tiffany shared their wedding vows and made their love official on April 25, 1998.

When Randy and Tiffany’s love for each other brought two beautiful daughters into their lives it was obvious Randy loved being a dad. First, Taylor and then, two years later, Samantha. Being a father seemed to many to be what Randy was born to do. It was the perfect way for him to show his loving, kind, caring self day in and day out. No one would dispute his being their #1 fan day after day, year after year. He showered his love and support on them before, during, and after any and all of the activities they were involved in. Seeing them grow and mature and his being there to encourage them every step of the way meant the world to him.

Randy was highly motivated, no question about it. Not only for his family but also in his 15-year career with the Kalamazoo County Road Commission where he worked in road sign maintenance. In addition to working for the county Randy owned and operated his own lawn care and snow plowing company, Randy’s Lawn Service. And, having still more energy—he was, like his father, a volunteer fireman. Randy was member of the Comstock Fire Department.

Being a volunteer fireman fit well in Randy’s natural desire to be helpful to anyone, anywhere, anytime. He was always willing and anxious to help—it was part of what Randy lived for. Randy had fun in life, too, though. It wasn’t all work, with no play. His outgoing personality along with the joy he found in being with family and friends fit in well at parties and family gatherings. He liked to be funny, or at least think he was funny, regardless of what others might have been thinking. Randy’s friends loved him and often called him ‘Ranz’, while others knew him as ‘Ran Man’. His favorite nickname, though, was what he called himself . . . he loved to say, “I’m the bomb. B-O-M bomb!”

Randy Verburg died unexpectedly at home on Tuesday, May 5, 2015. Randy’s life was like a gift that made all the difference in the lives of his wife and his daughters, and the lives of his family and friends. His love, his kindness, his attitude, his will to help people, his humor, inspiration, and encouragement will live on forever in the hearts and minds of his family and all those whose lives he touched.

Randy Verburg is survived by his wife, Tiffany and daughters Taylor and Samantha; his mother Sue Verburg, his sisters Tammy (Rich) House and Amanda (JJae Baker) Verburg; his mother-in-law Judy Wilmarth, sister-in-law Amy (Paul Melwiki); nieces & nephews Mason & Abby House, Ben Melwiki and Sydnee Baker, his dog Lily and cat Boo, many aunts & uncles and lots of favorite cousins. He was preceded in death by his father Hank Verburg in 2004, his brother-in-law Bret Wilmarth and father-in-law Joe Wilmarth. A memorial gathering will be held on Friday May 8th from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Life Story Funeral Homes, Portage; 5975 Lovers Lane, Portage (344-5600) with an after party from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Central Station of the Comstock Fire Department; 1960 Rivers Street. Visit Randy’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com to sign his guest book, leave a memory or archive a photo. Memorial donations may be made to Taylor’s & Samantha’s Education Fund, see the website for details. Please visit Randy’s webpage at www.lifestorynet.com where you can sign his online guestbook, and share a favorite memory and/or photo.