Donald Warnaar

Mr. Donald R. Warnaar, age 70, died peacefully early Friday morning, August 31, 2007. Don was born February 10, 1937 to Robert and Lydia (Williams) Warnaar in Grand Haven, and was a life resident of the West Michigan area. He was the Director of Bands at Orchard View Schools for 34 years and performed with the West Shore Symphony for over 20 years. As leader of the Don Warnaar Big Band, he carried on the legacy of the Bob Warnaar Big Band, delighting dancers everywhere. Don was a passionate trumpet player and shared his music throughout the greater community. On July 26, 1991 Don married the former Joan Shaffer. SURVIVORS include his wife, Joan; 3 children, Deborah L. (Brian F. Bauer) Warnaar of Virginia, Laura W. (Bruce) Hood of Cedar, MI, and Linda A. Warnaar of Vermont; Gail Warnaar of Vermont, his former wife; 3 step-children, Bethany (Christian) Ibarra of Florida, Thomas Kent of Ann Arbor, and Phillip Kent of Muskegon; 5 grandchildren, Rebecca, Ian, Jessie, Sabrina, and Lucy; 1 brother, Steven J. (Debra) Warnaar of Lansing. VISITATION at The Lee Chapel Sytsema Funeral Homes, Inc. 6291 S. Harvey St. (231) 798-1100 will be from 3-5 & 7-9 Tuesday. A CELEBRATION OF DON'S LIFE will be held at 2:00PM Wednesday at the funeral home, with Mr. Norman Wheeler officiating.