William Kubiak

KUBIAK - William Joseph Kubiak was a longtime illustrator, author and founding president of the Grand Valley Artists. Despite his fighting spirit, he succumbed to cancer on Friday, September 4, 2009. He was 80. Born May 29, 1929, in Grand Rapids, Mr. Kubiak attended Davenport College and later served in the United States Army. He worked for more than 30 years at The Grand Rapids Press as a commercial artist. A lover of American Indian culture, Mr. Kubiak wrote and illustrated the book "Great Lakes Indians: A Pictorial Guide," published by Baker Book House in 1970. He spent many years painting American Indians, accurately depicting their life and culture based upon his painstaking research. Mr. Kubiak was a prolific painter, producing well over 100 paintings with American Indian themes. In 2008 and early 2009, the Holland Museum held a special, six-month event entitled "Native Michigan: The Paintings of William Kubiak." The museum dedicated a large room exclusively to his paintings. In addition to his American Indian subjects, Mr. Kubiak painted many landscapes and seascapes. He remained an active member with the Grand Valley Artists until his death. One of Mr. Kubiak's enduring joys and pastimes was "junking" - bargain-hunting at second-hand stores and garage sales. Mr. Kubiak was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Gertrude Kubiak; his brother and fellow artist at The Grand Rapids Press, Robert Kubiak; his ex-wife, Barbara Kubiak; and his son, Anthony Kubiak. He is survived by his children, Heidi (Steven) Jones of Atlanta, GA, Robin (Thomas) Siegel of Walker, Joseph Kubiak of Grand Rapids; along with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A Web site displaying Mr. Kubiak's paintings is under construction at williamjkubiak.com. By Mr. Kubiak's request, there will be no special memorial service. He has asked that any donations go to the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans, 3000 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49505. Spirit of an Indian So many times trying to express His love and respect for his family His heart beats to the sound of the drum Like an Indian brave Like a roaring fire, warming, comforting His heart beats to the sound of the drum Like an Indian brave Always teaching us to do what we dream To never lose the faith in yourself His heart beats to the sound of the drum Like an Indian brave He has followed his dreams By painting, by sketching, by writing a book A book we all hold tight in our hearts He wrote it to teach us all about the first Indians here Watching him conquer his goals Helps us to feel inspired like an Indian brave He has always held onto being simple and enriching his life Passion for art and sharing his thoughts with all who want to know He's always told his story about learning as he goes He's a father, a grandfather, and a great grandfather He is like an Indian dancing around a fire Brave, Strong, Courageous Full of spirit and passion He's my Grandpa He will always be Written by Eve Bopp (Granddaughter) Arrangements by: Memorial Alternatives 2432 Fuller NE, 363-3700 www.memorialalternatives.com