On Sunday, April 3, 2022, Ralph J. Honderd went to be with his Lord and Savior at the age of 83. He fought cancer for several years but never gave in to discouragement and kept his sense of humor to the very end. He passed away peacefully and surrounded by people who love him. He lived an extraordinary life, always putting the love of Christ on display. He was a teacher, coach, mentor, advocate, and a truly good man. But more than those things, he was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who constantly pointed us all back to Jesus. His faith was the most precious thing to him (followed closely by his family) and he inspired all of us around him. It was a blessing to love him and learn from him.
Larger than life, he filled the room with love and laughter with his stories and his tangible pleasure in his family. He took great joy in telling (and re-telling…and re-telling) stories from his life to any captive audience. Each time a new grandchild was born or a significant other joined the family, he’d announce with delight that he needed to tell all his stories again because the new person “hasn’t heard them yet!” But no matter how many times he told the same stories, they were still a wild ride for the audience, filled with witty remarks and a fun back and forth as he and Grandma corrected and teased each other. Tears of laughter were shed at the dinner table more than just a few times. Sunday lunches with the family were always a joyous affair.
Ralph graduated from Calvin University (then Calvin College) in 1962 and, after teaching at West Michigan Christian and earning a MA degree in Kinesiology at Michigan State University, he returned to Calvin in 1966 as a faculty member and coach. He continued in that position for the next 38 years. Also, during that time, he completed his graduate coursework at MSU, taking evening and summer courses until, in 1985, he was awarded his PhD in Education with Phi Kappa Phi honors. As a member of Calvin’s faculty he taught a variety of courses but the creation of Calvin’s Mentoring Program and the formation of the course “An Inside Look at the January Series” were especially rewarding endeavors for Ralph. He served as Athletic Director for nine years but his primary involvement in the Kinesiology department was teaching classes and coaching a variety of sports. Athletics had always been an important part of Ralph’s life. When a student at Calvin, he was a member of the track and field team and also played four years of varsity basketball. He is remembered for his overpowering drives to the basket and left-handed hook shots that, in 1961, contribute to Calvin’s only undefeated basketball season. That competitive spirit stayed with him throughout his teaching and coaching years at Calvin. He liked to remind us that during the eight years that he coached basketball at Calvin, the team never lost a game to Hope. In addition to basketball, he also enjoyed his 30 years of coaching track and field, valuing the many strong relationships that developed. He always treasured the memories of working with so many quality students and athletes.
In addition to teaching and coaching, Ralph served on church councils, various committees, and on a variety of boards - especially those dealing with disability ministries. Following retirement, he and his wife, Carol, volunteered for more than 15 years as advocates for persons with disabilities, making personal visits and providing resources and assistance to numerous churches and seminaries throughout the country. In 2016 the Calvin Alumni Association honored Ralph with the Faith and Learning Award for the numerous ways he enthusiastically participated in volunteer endeavors.
Ralph was preceded in death by his parents Rev. Peter and Pauline Honderd; sister, Audrey Besteman; and granddaughter, Isabelle Honderd. He was the beloved husband of Carol Honderd for 59 years and the loving father of Kris and Eric Grimm, Karyn Honderd, Steve and Shelly Honderd. He dearly loved his grandchildren Tyler and Kelly Grimm, Laura Grimm, Kelli Grimm, Luke Honderd, Levi Honderd, Malachi Honderd; and great-grandchildren Emma Grimm, Ava Grimm and Ezra Grimm.
Knowing that the time will come when they are reunited in heaven, the family will gather for a time of celebration and reflection Wednesday, April 13, 2022. They will share in a time of scripture reading and prayer at the gravesite followed by a family gathering at South Harbor Church, 1907 64th St. SW, Byron Center. Friends are welcome to join them for a light dessert at the church from 6 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Contributions in Ralph’s memory may be made to Harbor House Ministries, home to daughter, Karyn Honderd. The family welcomes memories and messages in their guest book online at www.cookcaresbyron.com.
DONACIONES
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
v.1.8.18