Alex J. Boukamp

Taken from his loved ones much too soon, Alex Boukamp was a bright light in the world around him. He was vibrant and fun-loving, and as someone who is described as a seeker he could also be considered a student of life. Alex was passionate about the things he enjoyed, and what made his interests even more special to him is that they were frequently enjoyed with those he loved. Although there is a void in all our hearts without Alex here, we will forever cherish the times we spent with such an extraordinary young man. It seems only fitting that Alexs story begins during a time that was as vibrant as he was. The 1980s transformed the cultural fabric of our nation with things like the minivan, the camcorder, and a game system called Nintendo. Personal computers were becoming part of our homes in cities all across the nation while television families like the Cosbys and the Keatons brought us laughs during prime time television. It was as this decade was drawing to a close that a young woman from Muskegon, Michigan, was overjoyed to welcome a baby boy into her heart and home on October 25, 1989. Alex J. was the only child born to his mother, Suzanne Boukamp, and he was a miracle child in so many ways. In fact, we almost lost Alex when he drowned in his grandparents pool when he was just four years old. Thank goodness his Grandpa Boukamp was there to resuscitate him that day! Even from his earliest years Alex seemed to have the world by its tail. He was a bundle of activity with energy that never ran out. Alex was diagnosed with A.D.D., and he was also very intelligent and creatively gifted. He was a student at Glenside Elementary in Muskegon, and when he was just seven years old he was the only student from his school whose artwork was chosen to be on display at the Muskegon Museum of Art. Alex loved things like swimming and hanging out with his friends, and he was also into computer games and music. He finished his years in elementary school at Lincoln Park Elementary, also in Muskegon, and then went on to Mona Shores Middle School. As a high school student Alex could be found at Mona Shores High School. Throughout his life Alex shared special relationships with so many people he treasured. He was very close with his Grandma Boukamp, and he was deeply saddened with her death in 2000. The relationships he had with his Uncle Bob and Aunt Kathy Fischer and their daughter, Erin, were also of the utmost importance to Alex. As he got a bit older he began doing archery with his Grandpa Boukamp, making priceless memories with him, too. Alex was outgoing and so easy to love, which made it only natural for him to develop lifelong friendships. Some of his closest friends were Kenny Poliden, Steve, Albert, Bessie, the three Ryan's, Lisa, Rachel and Patrick among many more. Alex also had a special place in his heart for animals including his cat, Shadow. It isnt surprising that he made frequent trips to the zoo, and that the zoo was one of his favorite places. A bit later in life Alex began working with Faithful Felines in Muskegon. Even though his journey ended with what should have been so many roads left to travel, Alex truly lived in the time that he was here. He saw so many cool places such as Traverse City, Hawaii, and St. Thomas, and he also went to Disney World several times. Alex loved playing his guitar for hours on end, which was really something as he was entirely self-taught. He also loved going to concerts and saw several of his favorite artists and bands like Radiohead, Paul McCartney, the Police, and Eric Clapton. Alex was a nature lover who enjoyed playing Frisbee golf and spending time at the Lake Harbor Dunes in Muskegon. The list of things to love about Alex is extensive. He had the most piercing blue eyes that reflected his gentle and loving heart. Alex was known for his quick wit and his unending hugs that were freely offered to all who were near. He was the sort of person who accepted anyone and everyone for who they were, never making judgements of any kind. Alex was certainly an individual and could have been a hippie from the sixties as he usually had long hair and was a vegetarian and a free thinker, too. He was a great friend, loyal and giving, and was so much fun to be around as he was game to try just about anything at least once. Alex made us laugh with the best of them and was always there when we needed him. When reflecting on the life of Alex Boukamp, words such as spirited, intelligent, kindhearted, and passionate seem to describe him best. He made life such a joy for his loved ones and never had an unkind word to say about anyone. With his warm and friendly demeanor, Alex drew others to him with ease, making a significant impact in the lives of those too numerous to count. He will be deeply missed and warmly remembered. Alex J. Boukamp died on January 25, 2013. Alexs family includes his mother, Suzanne; grandfather, Jack Boukamp; uncle, Brian (Nancy) Boukamp with cousins, Shelby his loving uncle and aunt who were his second family, Bob (Kathy) Fischer with cousin, Erin who was more of a sister to him; Eric (Marissa) Fisher, and his cat, Patches; dogs, cats and his loving friends who meant the world to him. Alex was preceded in death by his grandmother, Martha Boukamp. Services will be held on Thursday, January 31, 2013, 11:00 a.m. at the Clock Chapel-Muskegon with Rev. Ken Shady officiating. Visit with Alexs family and friends on Wednesday, 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Clock Funeral Home-Muskegon. Memorials can be made to Faithful to Felines, 2525 Hall Road, Muskegon MI 49442. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a memory or sign the online guestbook.