Brian Walter Bolhuis

Brian Bolhuis lived in Vicksburg, Michigan all of his life. It is the place he called home, and the place where he created a lifetime full of memories with his family and friends. For 50 years, Brian shared his joy of life with everyone around him, and in doing so, brightened many lives.

The 1950s were an exciting decade in our nation’s history. It was in this time that America strode confidently from the ashes of World War II into a new age of prosperity. It was a time of progress when Americans discovered the proximity of the suburbs, the convenience of dishwashers and the swinging sounds of rock and roll. Brian entered these changing times on May 21, 1957, in Vicksburg, Michigan, a small town nestled along the beautiful shores of Sunset Lake. He was the youngest of two children born to John and Betty (Middaugh) Bolhuis, and grew up trying to keep up with his older brother, Mark. As a young boy, he did his own thing as part of the Punt, Pass & Kick football completion, and was awarded a trophy for his participation. Brian received his education in the Vicksburg Community Schools and graduated from Vicksburg High in 1975.

From an early age, Brian loved being outdoors and the many activities it afforded. From fishing and water skiing on Indian Lake and Tippy Dam, to deer hunting on local farms and snowmobiling in the Upper Peninsula at Rainbow Lodge and Hardy Dam, there wasn’t anything that Brian wouldn’t try. As a true sportsman, he rode a motorcycle for a while and loved to take out his 3 and 4 wheel ATVs for some off road adventures - life could get no better!

In the early 1980s, Brian married Betsy Batek, and they had a son together; Wade was born in 1987. Unfortunately their marriage ended in divorce, but they stayed friends for their son. Brian was a great father and very active in his son Wade’s life. He wanted to share with him all the great things he enjoyed, teaching him how to fish and play baseball. But whatever Wade was interested in, Brian gave him his full support and was his #1 fan. Aside from Wade, Brian also showered his love on his Doberman named Dutchess, who was more like the daughter he didn’t have than his four-legged companion. She was undoubtedly spoiled!

Although Brian knew how to have fun, he also worked hard to support his family. For a while, he enjoyed working at several plant nurseries, but eventually took a labor job at Simpson Paper Company. Brian worked here for many years until his ill health caused him to retire in 2000. A true fighter, Brian was determined to overcome his illness, all the while maintaining an unbreakable spirit. In fact, his son said it was like he had “nine lives” because he was one of only a few people who actually got better while under hospice care. Brian died at his home in Vicksburg on Thursday, April 24, 2008.

Brian truly knew how to enjoy, cherish and celebrate every moment that life had to offer. He had many friends, countless hobbies, and a family that loved him dearly. He will be greatly missed.

Visit with his family on Monday, April 28, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Life Story Funeral Homes, 409 S. Main Street, Vicksburg, where a funeral service will be held on Tuesday, April 29, at 11:00 a.m. Brian was preceded in death by his father, John Bolhuis, and brother, Mark Bolhuis. Members of his family include his son, Wade Bolhuis; mother, Betty Witcher; nephew, Jason Bolhuis; and many other relatives. Please visit Brian’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you may share a memory or photo with his family or sign his online guest book before coming to the funeral home.