Douglas Leep

Doug Leeps abiding faith was the cornerstone of his life, and it was evident in all he said and did. Family meant everything to him, and he loved those closest to him with a passion. Doug was a man with whom others could depend. Ever helpful, he would do his all to help a friend. He enjoyed the outdoors and all it had to offer, and loved the many adventures he experienced through the years with family, as well as his many friends. With his outgoing, fun-loving and optimistic nature, it was easy to love Doug for all he was, and more. Deeply missed, he will be fondly remembered by those who knew and loved him. In 1961, America was excited about one of the first men into space. But the most important thing on the hearts of Wes and Darlene (Evers) Leep was the October 21, 1961 birth of their little boy, Douglas. Doug grew up alongside his older sister, Susan, and was later joined by his younger brother, Wayne. Dougs father was a hard working potato farmer in Martin, Michigan where the Leep family made their home. His mother looked after their home as a homemaker. From Dougs earliest beginnings, he was a loving, adventurous young boy. He was outgoing and easily made friends. Raised in a family of faith, Doug attended East Martin Christian School. In high school he excelled in his studies, served as a class officer, and was also a member of the yearbook staff. He was involved in a variety of plays, and went on many ski excursions as a member of his schools ski club all while working at Jack and Tims Greenhouse. Dougs tremendous knack for organization was something he always appreciated, especially with such an array of schedules. After graduating from Kalamazoo Christian High School in 1980, Doug went on to further his education in the fall of 1980 at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. When he graduated from Calvin in 1985, one of his first jobs was working in an area office as an accountant, and he sold real estate. In 1990, Doug joined River Ridge Farms Inc. of Coopersville, Michigan as an office manager where he remained for the next 25 years of his career. He moved to Coopersville in 1991, and came to love the close knit community as his own. A lifelong and devout Christian, Doug was a member of East Martin Christian Reformed Church where he grew in his faith and went on to become a youth leader. He set a good example for those who looked up to him, and mentored many along the way. In 1995, after moving to Coopersville, Doug joined Church of the Savior where he served as a deacon and was highly involved. In time he also served as president of Coopersville Cares, was a former member of the Coopersville Rotary, and was very active in the Coopersville Public School system. When Doug made a commitment, he gave it his all, and then some. When Doug met Jo Ellen Meerman in August of 1997, she soon became the love of his life. They shared much in common, and were the best of friends and companions. When Doug and Jo Ellen met, her four children Jeff, Jennifer, Jillian, and Jessica soon became his family too and made their lives truly complete. As a family they experienced many fun times at their cottage on Croton Pond, and in 2005 they took a family trip to Mackinac Island and to one of Dougs favorite places, Hidden Valley Hunting Camp. He so enjoyed the many hunting and fishing trips he and his family went on to Hidden Valley Hunting Camp where memorable times were always enjoyed. In 2012, another favorite place of Dougs came to include the log cabin and hunting property his family purchased in Merritt, Michigan. Doug had an unwavering, adventurous and outgoing spirit. He always loved snowmobiling, downhill skiing and water skiing. He was also an avid golfer and volleyball player. Doug simply enjoyed the fun and great times offered by the sports he engaged in throughout the years. In 2014, Doug and Jo Ellen took a wonderful trip to the beautiful state of Alaska with his parents. It was certainly a time to remember and cherish. It was also that very year in May when Doug began showing the first signs of cancer. Over the following year, he endured many hospital stays, doctors visits, tests and procedures. Through it all, Doug held fast to his faith and the promises of his Lord. He fought a good fight, and always remained optimistic, which was just one of Dougs many wonderful attributes. A man with a huge heart, Doug never ceased in being there for his family and friends. Through lifes ups and downs, he always had an encouraging word, offering hope and a helping hand. Just the same, he celebrated the joy of others as if it was his own. Seeing those he cared about happy made his heart glad. Girded in faith and with his family by his side brought Doug the greatest joy. Generous and compassionate in all ways, Doug Leep was a joyous and godly man who will be forever remembered in the hearts of many. Mr. Douglas D. Leep, age 53, passed away Monday, June 8, 2015 with his beloved Jo Ellen at his side. He is survived by his parents, Wesley and Darlene Leep of Martin; the love of his life, Jo Ellen Meerman of Conklin; son, Jeff (Tracey) Meerman of Coopersville; daughters, Jennifer (Jim) Mendham of Nunica, Jillian (Jeremy) Noel of Mesick, Jessica (Bryan) Buist of Ravenna; grandchildren, Payton, Kassie, Hunter, Wyatt, Jeffery, Blake, Loryn; his brother, Wayne (Denise) Leep of Martin; his sister, Susan (Steve) Assink of Dorr; mother-in-law, Joan Drake of Coopersville; nephew, Kyle Leep; nieces, Brie Holtrop, Heather Palmer, Brooke Leep, Kayla Assink, Rachel Leep; two grandnephews; one grandniece; many aunts, uncles and cousins; traveling companions, Roger and Barb Breen of Allendale. Doug was preceded in death by grandparents, Tony and Sylvia Leep, Bill and Gert Evers; grandson, Dakota Noel; father-in-law, James Drake. SERVICE: Monday, June 15, 2015, 11:00 am at Church of the Savior, 180 68th Ave. N., Coopersville MI 49404 with Rev. Dave Kingma officiating. Interment in East Martin Cemetery. VISITATION: Sunday, June 14, 2015, 3-7 pm at the Coopersville Community Center, 198 East St. Coopersville MI 49404 and Monday, one hour prior to the service at the church. MEMORIAL: Coopersville Cares. To share a favorite memory or photo of Doug and to sign his online guest book, please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com.