Richard Bolhouse

Rick was born in Grand Rapids, MI to Herbert and Effie Bolhouse. He graduated from Grand Rapids Central Christian High School, Calvin College, and Valparaiso University School of Law. Following graduation from law school, Rick and a classmate opened their own practice in downtown Grand Rapids. In 1982 the firm relocated to downtown Grandville, MI. Rick retired in June of 2021 but continued to serve as Of Counsel to Bolhouse, Hofstee & McLean until the time of his death. He leaves behind a remarkable legal legacy, and one his firm promises to uphold.

His family includes his beautiful bride, Holly (Ford) of 46 years; children Cliff and Lindsey Bolhouse, Jeannine and Adam Wamboldt; grandchildren Claire and Carter Bolhouse, Alice and Julia Wamboldt; and siblings John and Lois Bolhouse, Jim and Mary Dykstra, Greg and Carol Twilling, and Lisa Bolhouse.

Rick was preceded in death by his brother, Mark Bolhouse.

Rick conducted his life with the utmost integrity and lived by the Golden Rule: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." This philosophy was part of every relationship he had and every endeavor he undertook. He was gifted with a brilliant mind and used that to educate others in the areas of law and history. His community outreach knew no bounds. He served as the chair of the Grandville Downtown Development since its inception in 1980 until the time of his death; was a business law professor at Grand Rapids Community College; taught Bible history to adults at his church, Grandville First Reformed, where he also served as deacon and elder; shared his love and knowledge of stamp and coin collecting with anyone who was interested; and presented the most detailed and educational travelogues to various audiences. In 2012 he had the honor of being named Business Person of the Year by the Grandville Chamber of Commerce. Even with all of this, Rick still managed to make his family his first priority. He enjoyed photography, traveling, boating, golfing, and spending time with his family and friends at the cottage near Torch Lake. He will be forever remembered for his wisdom, compassion, humility, and integrity. In a final act of selflessness, Rick donated his body to the University of Michigan for research.

In lieu of flowers, Rick’s family requests donations be made to Michigan Radio (michiganradio.org), Grass River Natural Area (grassriver.org), or Torch Conservation Center (conservetorch.org).

A Celebration of Life will be held 4 p.m. Sunday, February 27, 2022 at First Reformed Church Grandville, 3060 Wilson Ave. SW, Grandville, Michigan. In light of the current Covid surge, please respect the family's request that only those who are fully vaccinated and masked attend the service.

The family welcomes memories and messages in the online guestbook at cookcaresgrandville.com.