Robert "Bob" DeBruyn

DEBRUYN - Robert David DeBruyn, A Man of Many Parts: International Produce Expert and Community Benefactor. Robert "Bob" DeBruyn was born September 22, 1938 to Martha and Robert DeBruyn of Zeeland. He died on September 12 2009, while cycling on Lakeshore Drive. He was a graduate of Zeeland High School, had a B.A. from Michigan State University Honors College and an M.B.A. from Harvard. Bob DeBruyn was nationally and internationally known as an outstanding farmer, marketer and labor specialist. His produce operations extended to Mexico, Honduras, Brazil, Peru and the Caribbean. An active member of the Western Growers' Association, he was featured in American Vegetable Grower journal in l993, and in Packer Shipper as the most successful packer of l991. He received numerous professional awards including one on Produce Marketing for Nutrition Research and the Five a Day for Better Health Award. Distinguished Service Awards were given to him by Michigan State University, the Michigan Senate and the Michigan Governor's Award. The Michigan Department of Labor and Economics presented him with an award for thirty years of work with setting and implementing occupational health standards. He served on the board of directors of the Michigan Chamber of Commerce from 1988-94, and received their leadership award. Bob served on the board of the United Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Association, the Michigan Onion Committee, and was especially proud of his Master Farmer award from the Michigan Vegetable Council. Robert De Bruyn is survived by his wife of 48 years, Maxine; daughter, Margret Christine DeBruyn of San Antonio; sister, Linda (Wayne) Pynnonen of Holland; brother, David (Kathryn) DeBruyn of Seattle; aunt, Evelyn Van Dorp of Zeeland; nieces, Tonya Bramer and Tasha Farmer of Holland; and nephew, Brett Pynnonen of Ann Arbor. A belief in helping people attain their full potential activated his philanthropic efforts supporting college and seminary students. He continued to support the family of a minister from Kenya who had died after his return to Kenya. He supported Hope College in many ways, as sports fan, promoter of the arts and fundraiser. Bob's wife Maxine was Chair of the Dance Department at Hope College. His support helped the Dance Department to receive international recognition. He had a deep commitment to caring for and encouraging people who had suffered in the role of underdog. He often supplied large shipments of produce for community nutrition efforts through Hope Church, Community Action House and similar programs in Grand Rapids. Local community service included work with United Way, and serving on the board of directors for OAR, Ottagon Addictions Recovery. Bob loved his lakeshore home deeply, and will be remembered walking the beach for miles with his little dog Paulina. He was an active member of Hope church's Caring for Creation committee, and drew strength from the natural environment. Recently he hiked the Chiricahua National Forest and the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument in New Mexico with his brother and grandson. At various times in his life Bob was a member of Second Reformed Church in Zeeland, belonged to a lakeshore area house church, was an ordained Presbyterian elder and most recently was a member of Hope Church. He was a man of strong faith whose eloquent blessings graced many a lakeshore dinner party. Friends recall him as a man who was delighted with sparring conversationally with topics diverse as politics, social mores, literature and the arts. Bob was loved as a grandfather and great- grandfather by many children and young adults, whom he supported with constant caring, long distance advice and frequent, fun filled visits. For neighbors and family he was eager to lend a hand with each project or emergency. While his passing is mourned by all whose life he touched, he left behind a legacy that will endure, of love for people and for the earth's good gifts. In Robert DeBruyn's honor, donations to Endowment Fund of O.A.R. (Ottagan Addictions Recovery, 483 Century Lane, Holland 49423) are requested by the family in lieu of flowers. Services will be held at 12:00 noon Friday, September 18, 2009 at Second Reformed Church, 225 E. Central Ave., Zeeland. The Rev. Dr. John Schmidt will officiate. Visitation is 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. Thursday, September 17 at the Yntema Funeral Home, 251 S. State Street, Zeeland. Burial will be in Zeeland Cemetery. www.yntemafh.com