Robert “Bob” DeYoung of Holland passed away Monday, August 1, 2022, three months shy of his 90th birthday. The son of Henry and Nell (DeBruyn) DeYoung and younger brother to Doretta (Zandstra), Milt, and Vern all of who preceded him in death.
Bob met the love of his life, Marcia Smith while a student/athlete at Hope College. They were married 50 years before Marcia’s passing in 2007. Together they were blessed with a wonderful life that included teaching in Whitehall, Michigan, during which time Bob coached the 1962 football team to an undefeated season. He earned a master’s degree in counseling from Michigan State University. In 1965 he joined the staff at his beloved Alma Mater, Hope College where he first served as Dean of Students and later was appointed Vice President for Advancement, a position he loved and lived into for over 30 years. It was the relationships he developed that brought meaning to his work.
Bob served the Holland community in various capacities through The Chamber of Commerce, Evergreen Commons, Rotary, Calvary Reformed Church, and the Holland Country Club.
He loved the game of golf and recorded five hole-in-ones. Bob was honored when upon his retirement, Hope College named the annual alumni golf outing in his name. With a foursome that included his children, grandsons, and dear friends, it was his favorite day of the year.
A kind encourager to all he met, Bob was known to often ask “do you know how to have a good day? GIVE a good day!”
He was a man of God. A loving father and an eternal coach to his children and grandchildren who survive him, Robert Todd and Christine DeYoung, Lexi, Tucker, Cole; Jane and Stein Slette, Ingrid, Andreas; Katy and Ken Arthurs, Alex & Sara Arthurs, Patrick, Annie & Tim Cooke.
The family is grateful for the care dad received from the wonderful staff at Freedom Village and Hospice of Holland.
A memorial service to celebrate Bob’s life will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, August 12 at Calvary Reformed Church, 995 E 8th Street in Holland. Reverend Tim Brown will be officiating. Burial will be in Pilgrim Home Cemetery.
Visitation will run from 9:30 am until 10:45 am and there will be a time of fellowship following the service. If you are interested in making a memorial contribution to the Robert and Marcia DeYoung Scholarship Fund at Hope College, it would be greatly appreciated in lieu of flowers at hope.edu/give/deyoung. Arrangements are by Dykstra Funeral Homes – Mulder Chapel.
