Mark D DeVries

Mark DeVries, age 84, of Grand Rapids, passed away on Monday, October 22, 2012 at his home. He was born in Grand Rapids on December 3, 1927 and was a lifelong resident here. Mark was a proud graduate of MSU in 1949 and had a love and passion for his work as a landscape architect. The evidence of his talents are featured throughout the City of Grand Rapids and the surrounding area. He was especially proud of his golf course designs, having designed over 20 golf courses throughout Michigan, including his last one, Boulder Creek.

Mark was preceded in death by his loving wife of 54 years, Barbara who passed away in 2005; also preceded in death by his only beloved son, Mark, who at the age of 12, requested that his body be donated to science for the study of childhood leukemia. Through that generosity, there is a very high survival rate for those with the disease. Mark was the last of 8 children, having been preceded in death by 7 siblings. Surviving is a daughter, Karen (Tom) Myers; 2 granddaughters, Lindsay (Brian) Engelhardt and Holly (Roy) Christensen; great grandson, Hudson Engelhardt. Also surviving is his very special companion and caregiver, Ginger Goad, who made the last 2 years of his life beautiful.

A memorial service will be held at the home of his daughter, Karen, on Thursday, October 25, 2012 at 6:00 p.m. with Jon Goad officiating. Friends and family are invited to Karen’s home in Coopersville, MI beginning at 4:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, 4065 Saladin Dr. , S.E., Grand Rapids, Michigan, 48076 in memory of Mr. DeVries.