Thomas Kievit

Thomas Lynn Kievit was brought into this world on September 20th, 1954, and without doubt instantly made it a better place. The youngest son of Clarence and Naomi (Meeker) Kievit, Tom graduated from Parchment High School in 1972 before joining the United States Army. Always looking for adventure, Tom found his niche in the 509th Airborne as a Paratrooper until called home to help his family after the loss of his father. Returning to Kalamazoo, Tom joined his family as a co-owner of the Globe Rubber Stamp, Co., and as Tom left his stamp on this life, he found his career in ink, working first for Sinclair and Valentine in Kalamazoo, then acting as a plant manager when the company became Flint Ink. Upon Flint Ink's closing, Tom took his 26 years of experience and tried his hand at logistics for Evergreen Packaging before his retirement. On August 1, 1981 Tom married the love of his life, his soulmate, his partner in crime, Brook Channells. The two made their home in Martin, and lived every day together with love and laughter, welcoming the second love of Tom's life, their daughter, Kiley, in 1983. Tom was a man with an immeasurable heart and spirit. Family always came first, and to Tom family came in blood and in friendship. He was the first to offer a helping hand to loved ones and strangers alike. His sense of humor and infectious smile made him friends wherever he went. If the measure of a man can be found in those who love him, then Tom was larger than life. One of Tom's greatest pleasures was travelling with Brook every chance they got all across the United States, and especially cruising through the Caribbean, enjoying the each other, the sunshine, and rum. Tom loved Corvettes, Jeeps, bad Sci-Fi movies, and black coffee. He LOVED University of Michigan football, though much to his kids' dismay, he was a known "Spartan Sympathizer." He was an enthusiastic fan of the T.V. show "Survivor," and loved putting together hilarious and inventive audition tapes. Tom passed away at home on Saturday, June 24th, surrounded by his family. He is survived by his wife, Brook Kievit; his daughter and son-in-law, Kiley and Scott Haynes; grandsons, Nicholas and Alexander; and brother, Terry Kievit. Tom is preceded in death by his mother and father; his brother, Timothy Kievit; and his life-long friend, Dave Solleveld. A celebration of Tom's life will be held at his home, 851 E. 112th Avenue, Martin, MI, on July 8th from 1p.m.-4p.m. As Tom wanted in life, he would want all to "come as you are." In lieu of flowers, the family asks that instead donations be made to Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan.