David was born on January 16, 1951 to Harvey and Harriet Haverdink, their second child and oldest son. Life on the Haverdink farm in David’s early years was one of endless adventure, great fun, and healthy mischief. Being one of 5 boys and 3 girls, with many cousins who loved to play on the farm too, David and his siblings kept Harv and Harriet on their toes at all times.
Farm life eventually transformed to business life as Harv founded Hamilton Distributing Company, the only dealer in the state of Michigan for Stormor grain handling equipment. In his teen years, David continued helping with farm chores, but also began delivering grain bins and other equipment for his dad. Over time, David and his brothers all worked for their dad at various points until Harv retired and sold the business to David and his son-in-law. David continued as President of Hamilton Distributing and co-owner until 1992. The Haverdink family line with Hamilton Distributing continues to this day as David’s son, Tim, is part owner of the company.
Most know David through his 51 years of service with Hamilton Fire Department. David’s love for lights and sirens and helping others began at age 16, when he drove an ambulance for a local funeral home, which was how it was done back then. The early years of the fire department are ones from a time gone by, when equipment and procedures were basic by today’s standards, but the dedication, bravery, and comradery were equally the same. David became Assistant Chief early on in his time with the department. Tragedy struck in 1982, when Hamilton Fire Chief, Richard Boeve, a close friend of David’s, died while serving in the line of duty. A few years later, David was appointed as Hamilton Fire Chief, a position he held for the rest of his life. David’s accomplishments while serving as Fire Chief were numerous and a testament to his dedication to his fellow firefighters and the community they served.
In addition to the fire department, David followed two of his younger brothers, into law enforcement, becoming a reserve deputy sheriff for Allegan County in 1980. Over time, David’s community network continued to grow, and he became involved in countywide programs and committees. In 1990, David entered service in local government and successfully ran for a term on the Allegan County Board of Commissioners. During his term, David advocated for and later helped implement, new safety initiatives jointly with county government, law enforcement, and the Allegan County Court system. With nearly 15 years of valuable countywide experience and relationships, David made a significant career change and in 1992 successfully campaigned for Allegan County Sheriff. Sheriff Haverdink immersed himself in this honored role for 8 years; advocating for the dedicated men and women of the Sheriff’s department, implementing new safety initiatives, and most rewarding to him being actively involved with his deputy’s. Unusual for that time, it was not uncommon on nights and weekends to hear Sherrif Haverdink check-in on duty over the radio with his unit number, “Xray-1,” to be out on patrol, often arriving on scene to assist his deputies in incidents of all sizes, from routine traffic stops to major crimes.
Beyond David’s public service role, he was also at the center of an amazing extended family and wonderful circle of friends.
Both growing up at East Saugatuck CRC, attending the same school, and despite being one of the mischievous kids in the back of the same bus, David eventually caught the eye of a young Judy Prins. After graduating from Holland Christian and completing an Associates Degree at Davenport University, David and Judy were married in 1972. Early marriage years continued with David’s love of adventure and exploration, but this time as a couple. They built a new home, traveled, bought into the family business, and within a few years became parents to their two sons.
Throughout their nearly 54 years of marriage, family and close friends were at the center of their lives together. Being from large families and having a large circle of friends; there were countless birthdays, holidays, church gatherings, school activities, and milestone events to be celebrated. Over time, each event that David and Judy were a part of began to create traditions and beautiful memories that will never be forgotten and will continue on. David was the brother, uncle, or friend who could be counted at any gathering to add humor, wit, endless stories, a bit of mischief, and find his little way (often with his sly grin) to let a person know they were special to him.
Despite all that David was to the public and his extended family, his legacy and most significant role in his life was that of husband, dad, and grandpa. It is not possible to summarize all that David meant to his immediate family. He was the center and foundation for them all, and yet, he could not have done this alone. Judy provided David with the perfect set of complementing gifts. Together, they raised a family built upon love, commitment, adventure, traditions, and most importantly, faith. Although he didn’t show it in the same way as Judy, David’s faith in Jesus Christ as his Savior was secure and provided the underpinning of his lifetime of service to others. David is irreplaceable to his family and will be deeply missed forever. However, David’s life and legacy will continue on through his family, whom he loved deeply.
David was preceded in death by his parents, Harvey and Harriet (Blystra) Haverdink. He will be cherished in memory by his wife of 53 years, Judy. Son, Jeff (Erin) Haverdink and their daughters Anna and Elizabeth, son Tim (Sarah) Haverdink and their sons Travis and Tyler. David’s siblings; Louise (Leon) Koops, Dale (Marcia) Haverdink, Paul (Cathy) Haverdink, Barbara (Rick) Hulst, Ron (Jodi) Haverdink, Doug (Sara) Haverdink and Julie Haverdink. Judy’s siblings; Jo (John) Lappenga, Jean (Curtis) Mans, Jane (Ken) Genzink and Jay (Laurie) Prins. He is survived by 28 nieces and nephews and their spouses and children, plus countless cousins. Equally important to David, he is survived by his second family, current and former members of the Hamilton Fire Department.
Funeral services with full honors will be held at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at Central Wesleyan Church, 446 W. 40th St. Holland, MI 49423. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery, Hamilton. Visitation will be 3:00-7:00 p.m. Monday, January 5, also at Central Wesleyan Church, (please use entrance A.) In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in David’s memory can be made to East Saugatuck Christian Reformed Church, https://espoint.churchcenter.com/giving or Holland Christian Schools, https://hollandchristian.org/donate/.
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