Troy Kalmbaugh

Though he stood at 65, Troy Richard Kalmbaugh was still known to his family by his childhood nickname, Little Troy. A loving, adventurous and handsome young man, Troy had an amazing artistic ability, a passion for the outdoors and a talent for working on cars. A beloved son, brother and grandson, Troy will be greatly missed. Though his time was too short, the memories and joy he created during his life will continue to be cherished. For most of the world, the 1990's are known as a time when technology finally reached the masses. Within just ten years, new technology like computers, cell phones and video games became standard fixtures in most households. For Troy E. Kalmbaugh and Patricia OConnell, the year 1991 was particularly filled with joy and anticipation as they prepared their home for the birth of a new baby. The hot, summer day of July 26, 1991, marked the culmination of their joy. On that day, Troy entered the world - and the hearts of countless people. Troy spent his early childhood living with his parents in Grandville, Michigan. When he was just two years old, Troy's parents decided to divorce, and the toddler Troy enjoyed spending quality time with both parents. After three years, Troys mother, Patricia, remarried, and within a short time, Troy gained a wonderful and energetic little sister, Allyson. Troy loved being a big brother to Allyson, and was always very protective of her. At the age of nine, Troy went to live with his father in Grand Haven, Michigan. The two lived in a house on Stearns Bayou with their beloved dog, Buddy. Much to Troys delight, his house was near Felixs Antique Shop, where he enjoyed looking for antique hunting and fishing gear to buy. In the fall of 2008, his father purchased for them 115 wooded acres in Tonganoxie, Kansas, where Troy proudly bagged a 10 point buck, explored for Indian artifacts and went four-wheeling with his friends. As a young child, Troy was very active. Like many boys, he loved spending time outdoors, doing such things as catching frogs, fishing and playing sports. Many loved ones also remember fondly his generous heart, even then, displayed by the multitudes of wildflowers he would pick and bring home as gifts. Troy also enjoyed traveling and going on new adventures. For several summers, Troy looked forward to camp at Stony Lake. He took many fun family trips with his mom to Disney World, Maryland, and Florida to visit his great grandparents. As a certified scuba diver and avid sportsman, his many trips with his dad included diving, hunting and fishing. One spring, Troy even enjoyed going out west with his Aunt Jamie on a wilderness trip, where he pitched a tent on 18 of snow and went bouldering. Aside from his obvious passion for nature and his adventures away from home, Troy also loved watersports and going to the drag strip with his friends. While living in Grand Haven, he was an active member of Spring Lake Wesleyan Church. Troy had a great relationship with his grandparents, Richard and Ruth Kalmbaugh, who were very active in his life. It was Troys grandfather who passed on a love of all things automotive to his dad, which in turn, was passed on to him. One of his most prized possessions was a 1969 Mustang Mach I, which he was restoring with his dad and grandfather. After graduating from high school, Troy went on to attend classes at Johnson County Community College in Kansas. With dreams of becoming a doctor some day, Troy was full of big ideas and ambition. Troy died on Friday, October 15, 2010 in Kansas. He is survived by his mother, Trish (Wayne) Boomsma of Hudsonville; father, Troy E. Kalmbaugh of KS; sister, Allyson Boomsma of Hudsonville; grandparents; Carolyn O'Connell of Owosso, Richard (Ruth) Kalmbaugh of Grand Haven; Roger(Yvonne) Boomstra; aunts, Tammy (Tyler) McPherson, Jamie (Scott) Brawner, Leanna Brandt; uncles, Jimmy (Jamie) Boomsma, Rick Kalmbaugh, Chad (Lynn) Rex; many cousins. A funeral service will be held on Friday, October 22, 2010, 1:00 PM at Clock Chapel-Grand Haven. Interment at Grand Haven Twp. Historic Cemetery. Meet with Troy's family and friends on Thursday, 7-9 PM at Clock Life Story Funeral Home - Grand Haven. Memorials to the family would be appreciated.