Gary Richard Riemersma

He was born to Andy & Ella Mae Riemersma alongside his twin Jerry on Jan 3, 1953, in Holland Michigan. His school years were spent in West Ottawa Public Schools, a whiz at math who graduated in the top of his class in 1971. After high school, Gary took two years out in California to join the Navy. He made memories and friends he would talk about for decades.

When he returned from the Navy, he met his future wife, Karen. They frequently went on dates around Holland-- going out to the beach and even catching Remo play in his band at the Hatch. They married in the fall of 1974 and soon after began a family. In the early 80s, the Riemersmas began to break ground on their home on Ransom St, where they would raise their daughter and grandchildren and spend the rest of their lives together. Gary worked for Batts for 20+ years, traveling to places like Baltimore, Switzerland, and Hong Kong. Even when home, he still found time for trips up north, camping, and softball with his buddies.

In fall of 1986, Gary was in a horrific accident that changed everything. A traumatic brain injury led to 18 months in a coma and years of physical therapy. During this time, Karen worked tirelessly to be at Gary's side, provide for the house, and go back to school. For the next thirty five years, Karen became his sole caregiver as he lived with a traumatic brain injury and hemiplegia. His speech waned, his body lost much ability, but Gary remained himself through it all. A profound love for music, marijuana, the outdoors, food, and family was always at the forefront of his mind. Through a TBI support group, the Riemersmas met life long friends in the Simons-- Marshall & Mindy and their 3 boys, a bond that superceded their generation two times over. Gary's friends were incredibly important to him, especially those who continued to support him in his new condition. Karen and Gary kept up their travels after the accident, taking trips to Florida, Niagara Falls, and the East Coast. When he wasn't on vacation, he found ways to enjoy himself in Michigan. Going out for breakfast with his brothers, visiting with friends, and driving around his rascal scooter on the North Side of Holland-- he kept himself busy.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents; Andy & Ella Mae, his in laws Betty & Gordon Peffers, his nephew Matthew, brother in law Curt, and good friends Marshall and Mindy Simon. He is survived by his wife, Karen, daughter Amanda, grandson Jase, granddaughter Naviah (Devon), brothers Jerry (Becky), Terry, Mike (Sue), and sister Cheryl, among many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of a funeral service, the family will be holding a celebration of life in late April at Ransom Park.