William "Bill" Byl

William "Bill" Byl, aged 91, of Grand Haven, died on Tuesday, May 27, 2008, and went to his eternal home. It is with joy and thanksgiving that we celebrate his life of love and service to God, our country, and to the Grand Haven Community. Bill was born in Grand Haven on February 9, 1917, to William and Elizabeth (Kamphuis) Byl. He attended Grand Haven public schools, graduated in 1934, then attended Hope College. In October of 1941 he married Albertine VanderLaan; they were blessed to share their lives for 63 years. During World War II he served in the US Army 80th Div., 315th Artillery Battalion as a 1st Lieutenant and received the bronze star for bravery in action. Bill spent 39 years at Shaw-Box Crane Works in Muskegon, and retired from the engineering division in 1979. His patient, natural teaching ability made him a wonderful mentor to many employees. In the 1950s he spent five years building the family home on Grand Avenue. He was a longtime member of the Second Christian Reformed Church, serving as Sunday School teacher, elder and deacon. Many remember him fondly as the Scoutmaster of Troop 16, of which he was a member as a young man and later led for 15 years. In 1980 he was honored to receive the Silver Beaver Award. After retirement he and Abby spent most of their time volunteering, particularly with their church; the Grand Haven Christian School; Nearly New Store, Love, Inc., Big Brothers, and Meals on Wheels. They also served on short-term mission trips with West Indies Self Help (WISH) in Haiti; and with the Luke Society in Mississippi. Survivors include his children: Susan (Gordon) Anderson of Wheaton, Ill; William R. (Annette) Byl of Grand Rapids, Mich.; and Dan (Marianne) Byl of Topeka, Kan.; grandchildren: Luke (Emily) Anderson; Christine (Gabe Travis) Byl; Julia ( Makarios Sitanggang) Byl; Elizabeth Byl; and William Dirk Byl; great-grandchildren: Dorothy and Margo Anderson; Tamar and Abdi Byl Brann. He was preceded in death by his wife, Abby, and siblings: Elizabeth "Bib" Byl; Margaret Glupker; Leonard Byl; and Gary Byl. We are grateful to Hospice of North Ottawa County and for the care givers at Oakcrest Manor who gave faithful, loving attention to Bill and Abby during their last years. Memorial contributions may be made to the Grand Haven Christian School, or to Love Inc., of Grand Haven. There will be an opportunity to meet the family at the Second Christian Reformed Church, 2021 Sheldon Rd, Grand Haven on Friday, May 30 from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm, and on Saturday, May 31 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am. A funeral service will follow at the church at 11:00 am. with Rev. Michael Koetje and Rev. Gene Los officiating. Interment at Lake Forest Cemetery.