Brandon L. Dursema

As the seasons come and go, each leaves a forever memory of good times shared. In remembering Brandon Dursema, we are reminded how quickly the seasons of our lives pass by. While many receive years with which to prosper, love, and live, others are all too brief. When Brandon touched a heart, lives were never the same. For all who knew and loved him, they came to appreciate his kind and compassionate nature, his fun-loving ways, and how he could simply light up a room. Gone too soon but never to be forgotten, Brandon will be deeply missed. Brandon's story began at a time when America was anxiously awaiting the end of the 1980s and ready to receive the decade of the 1990s with all the possibilities it held. By 1987, Ronald Reagan filled the White House, and the first criminal was convicted using DNA evidence. The culture of America exploded with the debut of The Simpson's, and while the U.S. economy had been stable for most of the decade, stock markets around the world experienced plummeting levels resulting in years of recession. In the lakeshore city of Muskegon, Michigan, David Wayne and Suzette Ann (Johnson) Dursema were anxiously anticipating the birth of a new child in their lives. Although three weeks early, Brandon made a healthy entrance into the world on June 12, 1987. The second of the Dursema's six children, Brandon joined his older sister, Arica, and later welcomed the addition of sisters, Kaitlyn, Rachel, Dessi, and Hannah. His father supported their bustling household working for Herman Miller as Chairperson of Lead Communication, while his mother remained at home as a homemaker. They made their home in Fruitport, Michigan where Brandon spent his early childhood involved in a myriad of sports. All boy, he played soccer, baseball, football, and in time, was a member of the Fruitport High School golf team. He also acquired the yellow belt green tip in karate. During his youth, Brandon was very adventurous, creative, and had an inquisitive nature all his own. As a youngster, Brandon's first job was a paper route. He was very dedicated, and did quite well for himself. Whether rain, snow, or sunshine, he could be counted on to deliver the news in a timely manner. Even though he was bitten by a dog, it didn't change his love for animals. In fact, pets were a significant part of Brandon's life. He always had dogs, but liked exotic animals, too. At one point or another he had an alligator, corn snake, tarantula, and an iguana. His animal's heat lamp almost burned the house down, but it later made for an exciting story. Brandon and his family enjoyed many activities together over the years. They traveled the states camping, and usually vacationed in the Upper Peninsula, Mackinac Island, or Tahquamenon Falls. They also made yearly trips to Traverse City and Petoskey. Brandon especially enjoyed hunting and fishing with his dad and uncles, Tom, Steve, and brother-in-law, Ray. Special times were shared cherishing a few family traditions, too. They participated in annual Easter egg hunts, spent the Christmas holidays with relatives and extended family, and decorating the Christmas tree just wasn't the same without a little eggnog. During the holidays, it wasn't unlike them to jump in the car and travel around town looking at all the Christmas lights. On the Fourth of July they took in the fireworks at his grandparent's home each year, and they loved going to Bernie O's for pizza on Friday nights. Saturday nights included big bowls of ice cream and watching a movie with his dad. He loved playing guitar and Black Ops II. Close to his sisters, Brandon enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He attended the Fruitport area schools, and with his outgoing and likable ways, he was a good friend to many. While taking classes at Muskegon Tech Center, Brandon received his certification as a certified mechanic. He went on to graduate from Fruitport High School in 2006, and furthered his education at Baker College for computer networking. Counted as his greatest blessing, the birth of Brandon's son Leelind David Dursema in 2009 was the best day of his life. Brandon loved him so much, and was a loving, patient parent who loved playing with his son. They went on adventurous walks, rode bikes, and watched movies together. Their visits always began with a huge hug, and never enough "I love you's." Brandon was a very sociable man. He enjoyed innumerable friendships where great times were relished. Even into adulthood, he loved getting together with his family where many laughs and story telling was treasured. To his family, Brandon was a protective brother in scary situations. He was caring, fun, and always kept his sisters on their toes. One time, he wrote his sisters name on the trampoline to get her in trouble, only to discover he misspelled her name! When his youngest sister was going to her first dance, her parents were gone for the event, but Brandon was there to tell her how nice she looked. Just as loving as an uncle, Brandon was so much fun as far as his nephews were concerned. Even though they lived out of town, he made every effort to see them. To Brandon's parents, he was the sweetest boy any parent could ask for. He made them laugh, even when they sometimes didn't want to, but his great sense of humor could not be underestimated. They were proud of the man Brandon had become, especially how giving he was, and for the love he showed his son. His willingness to lend a hand and his hard work ethic was truly an example. When his brother-in-law Ray was deployed, Brandon fixed the computers at his home so everyone could communicate with him. He considered Brandon a big help in many ways, and reveled how intelligent and mechanically minded he was. Brandon was baptized and was a believer in Jesus Christ. He carried a quiet faith, but lived his life with honesty, love, and generosity. He held a big heart for those he loved and cared for, and was compassionate towards others. He knew how to have a good time, and liked a good challenge, which at times satisfied his daring nature. Above all, Brandon was well loved and will be deeply missed. Although there is now a space that only he could fill, his memory lives on in the hearts of all. Mr. Brandon L. Dursema, age 25, of Fruitport, died on Wednesday, April 10, 2013. SURVIVORS: Parents, David and Suzette Dursema of Fruitport; beloved son, Leelind Dursema of Muskegon; grandmothers, Donna Johnson and Pat Johnson, both of Fruitport; sisters, Arica (Ray) Estepp, Kaitlyn, Rachel, Dessi, and Hannah; nephews, Colin, Owen, and Ian. SERVICE: Tuesday, April 16, 2013, 11:00 AM at First Congregational Church of Fruitport with Rev Ronald DePung officiating. VISITATION:Monday, 2-4 & 6-8 PM at Clock Funeral Home - Fruitport. MEMORIAL: Brandon L. Dursema Memorial Fund. Please visit clockfuneralhome.com to share a favorite memory and photo of Brandon and to sign his online guest book. Clock Funeral Home- Fruitport.