Clifford Earl Dykstra

Although his life was filled with numerous experiences that enriched his journey, there was nothing that Clifford Dykstra loved more than being surrounded by his loved ones. He had an adventurous spirit and lived an active lifestyle while being ever mindful of others. Clifford shared much of his lifes journey with his true love, and together they took in so many of the best things that life has to offer. He had a special place in his heart for children, perhaps because in many ways he was just a kid at heart. Life will never be the same without Clifford here, but his timeless legacy will be carried on by those who follow him. The decade that is often recalled as the Nifty Fifties was a colorful time in our nations history. Rock n roll took the music world by storm while James Dean made young girls swoon on the silver screen. Televisions were becoming part of our living rooms like never before, and with our introduction to shows like Father Knows Best the ideal American family was born. Amidst this colorful time was the year 1952 that was filled with several noteworthy events, but it was a year to remember in the lives of a bustling young family from Grand Rapids, Michigan, for a much different reason as they were blessed with birth of a baby on August 19th. Clifford Earl was the fourth of five children born to his parents, Clifford Earl and Jean (Roberson) Dykstra, at St. Marys Hospital. He was raised in the family home in the Alger Heights neighborhood alongside his older brothers, Jerry, Robert, and James, and his younger sister, Ellen. In many ways Clifford experienced a typical childhood. He enjoyed playing football and basketball in addition to other outdoor activities, and the family looked forward to spending summers at the family cottage at Sunset Hills in Grand Haven along the beautiful shores of Lake Michigan. Clifford attended Seymour Christian School during his elementary school years, and his family was also members of Seymour Christian Reformed Church. Sundays usually found the Dykstra family at their grandparents house after church. Christmas was also a time to remember as it was spent at the family home with the entire bustling Dykstra clan. While growing up Clifford became good friends with Doug Groot, Jack Medendorp, Carl Vandepol, Carl Mulder, Larry VanHuis, Jim VanderLugt, Tom Lenger, and Carol Dykstra Geskus. His high school years found him at Grand Rapids Christian High School until he graduated in 1970. As a young man Clifford also got his private pilots license so that he could fly his personal Beechcraft Bonanza airplane. New and exciting changes were in store for Clifford when he met the woman who would forever hold the keys to his heart. Her name was Diane Munkeby, and they met in Lansing while he was working there. They became friends, and as their friendship blossomed into romance they began dating. They continued to date on and off for the ten years that followed. With a desire to establish a life together, Clifford and Diane were married on September 30, 1978, in Grand Rapids. Together Clifford and Diane were blessed with the births of two sons, Eric in 1981 and Daryl in 1982. They raised their sons in a home on Lake Michigan in West Olive. As a family they enjoyed all things outdoors like hiking and camping including various trips to national parks. The Dykstras also took skiing vacations out to Colorado and Utah and went backpacking on trips to both Isle Royale and Utah. Golfing, swimming in Lake Michigan, and just being out in nature were other favorite family activities. As a father Clifford was caring, reliable, continually there for whatever his sons needed, and in everything they did he was so very proud of them. Sunday night was a special time in the Dykstra family as well as going out to cut down a Christmas tree as a family. Pets played an important role in their home, too, as their dogs, Rags, Boo, and Goldie as well as their cat, Smokey, were like additional members of their family. Throughout his life Clifford was one to work hard in everything he did. For ten years he and his wife were owners of the Clothes Loft in Holland. Later Clifford became a surveyor in the construction industry based out of Holland for 16 years. As his family and friends can attest, life with Clifford was anything but ordinary. One such experience was when he and his son Eric, who was 13 at the time, were on their first Boy Scout backpacking trip. They started out so late on the first day that they were hiking until midnight, which ended up being eight miles primarily uphill in the Smokey Mountains in the dark, of course. The colorful stories that came out of that trip were endless. The family reunion at his brother Bobs cottage with all the Dykstras was also a time to remember. It was a tradition in Cliffords family to go out to the Clover Bar in Grand Haven for pizza. During his adult years he was good friends with Bill and Chris Bussell, Joyce and Andy Cawthon, Pam and Rick Cater, Jim and Joy Jonker, Margaret and Larry Sheppard, Gail Sherman and Neal and Denise VanderWaal, and surely they would be full of memorable Clifford stories as well. Jovial, energetic, and fun-loving are just a few of the words that describe the extraordinary man that Clifford Dykstra was each and every day. He was generous toward others and never could resist children as he loved taking the time to play with them, making them feel welcome and accepted. Clifford viewed his family as his most priceless treasure, and whether they were doing outdoor activities or eating at their favorite restaurant it was being together that really mattered. A blessing in the lives of those around him, he will be deeply missed and forever remembered. Clifford Dykstra died suddenly at home on Friday, January 17, 2014. Clifford is survived by his wife, Diane; sons, Eric and Daryl; brothers, Robert (Mary) Dykstra and James (Joan) Dykstra; several nieces and nephews; father in law Jack (Linda) Munkeby and mother in law Nancy Munkeby. A service will be held Wednesday, January 22, 2014, 3:00 PM with visitation one hour prior to the service at the Clock Chapel-Grand Haven with Rev. Andrew Meeker officiating. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book.