Bruce C. Panken

He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 55 years, Carol Panken (Thomasma); his children: Leah (John Harring) Panken, Johanna (Paul) Toth, and Matthew Panken; his grandsons, Maxwell and Alexander Harring; his brothers Peter (Beverly) Panken and Jeffrey Panken.

Bruce was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Sylvia Panken.

Bruce was born in Brooklyn, New York, and he grew up in Manhattan. Bruce attended high school at Cheshire Academy in Connecticut where he was a proud member of the debate team. Later, Bruce attended college at the University of Miami in Miami, Florida. He married Carol while in college and they later moved to Boston, MA. Bruce and Carol lived in several cities along the East Coast before finally settling their family in Grand Rapids, MI in 1979.

Bruce worked as a Creative Director in various capacities throughout his professional life. After he retired, Bruce enjoyed working part time for the Grand Rapids Symphony, and then as an usher at the Van Andel Arena and Fifth Third Ballpark. Bruce, who was naturally outgoing and friendly, greatly enjoyed interacting with the guests at these venues. Bruce enjoyed music, his pets, following professional football, and he especially loved his family.

His family wishes to thank Rabbi Melinda Panken of Temple Shaari Emeth in New Jersey for traveling to officiate the funeral service.

Visitation will begin at 2 p.m. and the funeral service will follow at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, July 24, at Cook Funeral Home in Byron Center, 2067 84th St. SW. Interment will be at Burnips Cemetery immediately following the funeral.

In honor of Bruce, contributions may be made to ASPCA, www.aspca.org.

The family welcomes memories and messages in their guestbook online at www.cookcares.com.