Kevin has attended my Sunday School class for the last several years. He was a blessing to me and to everyone who was fortunate enough to cross his path. His kindness and consideration touched me deeply. I am so sad to hear of his passing. Happy that he is completely healed and in the presence of the Lord. He will be missed so very much, he was a very special person. I am praying for his loved ones. 
 Theresa Anderson-Varney

 Posted by Theresa Anderson-Varney - Grand Rapids, MI - Friend March 31, 2015

I worked with Kevin every day. He would often tell stories about times he had spent with his nephews and nieces, or about things he was doing at his church, or to show me something he had purchased for his camera or computer. He was a dedicated worker. A strong man of faith. He loved his God, his family, and his doughnuts. (in that order) 

 Posted by Richard Menninga - Grand Rapids, MI March 31, 2015

Kevin was a great guy and a wonderful co-worker!! I was very fortunate to work with him and his attitude toward Life was amazing. He will be mised here at Metro tremendously and his family is in my thoughts and prayers. 

 Posted by Lori Searl - Grand Rapids, MI - Co-Worker March 31, 2015

Here at Metro Health Multi-Specialty Office we are heartbroken with the news of Kevin's passing. Every day, no matter how crazy things were or how we all were feeling, Kevin would come in to pick up our labs and he would brighten our day. No one can remember him being anything other than cheerful and sweet. Kevin would take the time to get to know us even though he only had to pass through our office briefly. He would stop for a moment and chat, joke around, or genuinely ask how we were doing. Kevin brought light to every day and every interaction he had. We are all very thankful for the time that we were able to spend with him and honored that we knew such a genuinely good natured and positive person.
 Kevin will be deeply missed, but his memory will be forever cherished here.

 Posted by Metro Health Multi Specialty Offices - Wyoming, MI - co-workers March 31, 2015

Emo, RoseEllyn and the whole family, We are grieving with you over the loss of an amazing man of God who has blessed lives and lived fully for His Savior as far back as we can remember! We will always remember Kevin's joy and kindness. Kevin was a gentle giant whom everyone couldn't help but love--ever since my first summer at Camp O'Malley (1984?) where he tore around the grounds on his bike and you couldn't ever fill him up, even with serving-sized bowls of cereal!--we were just laughing together about that last week!! What a joy to know he is enjoying Jesus' presence and his eternal rewards in heaven in wholeness with no limitations! Can't wait to give you hugs in person!

 Posted by Tim and Cindy Bradley - Mentone, IN - friends March 31, 2015

It was my privilege to work with Kevin for 18 years. I remember Kevin as a man of rock solid faith, great integrity, and enviable courage. You will be missed, my friend. Deb Byxbe

 Posted by Deb Byxbe - Grand Rapids, MI - friend and coworker March 31, 2015

So sorry to hear of your loss,we here will miss Kevin always. He was a great man inside and out!

 Posted by Crystal - Friend March 31, 2015

Iv only worked at Metro for a year and a half, but i remember the first time i met Kevin, he was so friendly, nice and helpful. Iv never met someone i worked with who was thought so highly of by his coworkers. Kevin was a great man, and i could tell he was the kind of man who would do anything for anyone. It was an honor to have known him, even if it was cut short. The lab will never be the same without him. 
 To Kevins family, I am so very sorry for your loss. May God and Kevin watch over you all in your time of sadness, and loss...God Bless you all

 Posted by Amanda - Ionia, MI - coworker March 31, 2015

Kevin will be missed. He was a great guy and I enjoyed working with him in IT. Kevin volunteered to job shadow Tech support while helping out us on varies projects. I recently found out that we had attended Berean Baptist Church at the same time when we were younger and participated in Awana program. Then I belted out, Hail! Awana! On the march for youth; Hail! Awana! Holding forth the truth. Building lives on the Word of God Awana stands! Kevin said I thought I had finally got that song out of my head and you just brought it rushing back. Kevin will be missed, but as a Christian, I have comfort that he is in a better place. I will be praying for his family.

 Posted by Robert D. Dailey Jr. - Grand Rapids, MI - Co-Worker March 31, 2015

I never had the pleasure of meeting Kevin, but as a survivor of cancer I have some idea what this brave man went through. His picture is a true document of his courage and his inner beauty is apparent and further amazes me. Whomever chose this picture we thank you! I am sorry his family had to say goodbye but he is finished with his pain and is as close to Our Lord as one can ever be! I know that this loving man will be looking after his family members until they join him in Heaven! The world is not as good a place without Kevin Jay Van Buren.
 With humble and great respect, J Grenan

 Posted by Dr Jack Grenan - Spring Lake, MI - an admirer of his courage! March 31, 2015

I worked with Kevin at Metro Health and I will miss his great sense of humor always joking around whenever I would see him. He always had such a positive attitude. 
 He will be greatly missed -
 Angie Hutchison

 Posted by Angie Hutchison - Byron Center, MI - Co-worker March 31, 2015

When I started working at Metro over 6 years ago, I quickly realized that Kevin was the Go-To-Guy for almost everything! He was always so gracious to lend a hand; of course telling me, "It will cost you a donut". He knew more about the workings of Metro Lab than anyone else! I cannot begin to tell you how much he is missed, not only for what he did but how he did it! Kevin interacted with so many people in his work day and I do believe it was his goal to make every person just a little bit happier before he walked away. He had such a silly sense of humor; pretending to run us over with his cart, opening his biohazard bags very noisily right behind you, blocking the hallway or door he knew you were trying to use. He brought so much joy to Metro Lab, and to me personally. I was always so amazed by his positive spirit and sunny outlook considering all the trials he faced in his life. I have no doubt those attributes came from him being raised in a very close knit, loving, faithful family! 
 Kevin, I will miss you everyday but will always have wonderful memories of you (even when you told everyone I was 50 on my 49th birthday). You have touched my life and I am a better person because of that! And when we meet again, I will bring the donuts!!

 Posted by Lauri Hiltunen - Caledonia, MI - Friend and co-worker March 31, 2015

I am so fortunate to have known and worked with Kevin for many years. His unfailing courage, kind spirit and positive nature often inspired me to try to be a better person. I will miss him very much and will carry his smile in my heart. 

 Posted by Mary Wolff - Grand Rapids, MI - Co-worker March 31, 2015

I've only known Kevin for a short time while working at Metro. He was one of the most genuinely nice guys I have ever met. Always had a positive outlook on things. His love for technology always struck up conversation. I remember one night asking him about his surgery because I was just curious about what he had been through. It is a reflection of the kind of person Kevin was. A strong person with a positive outlook on life no matter how rough the road. You will be missed Kevin. It was a pleasure knowing you.

 Posted by Martin Perez - Caledonia, MI - Co-Worker March 31, 2015

I'm still in shock at the news, still trying to wrap my mind and heart around the fact that the last time I saw him Friday was to be the very last time I saw him, the last time I would greet him with, "Hey, Big Guy!"
 What others have said about Kevin is what I would say as well. Upbeat, kind, great sense of humor, willing to help, lover of computer gizmology. In the picture here you can see what the brain tumors did to his expression, but don't be fooled: it never touched his soul.
 Good bye my friend.

 Posted by Jeffery D. Kooistra - Friend and coworker March 31, 2015

RIP Kevin. METRO lab will never be the same without you

 Posted by Karen March 31, 2015

It has been years since I worked with Kevin but I have never forgot how cheerful and upbeat he always was. Kevin would do anything to help someone else out and not expect anything in return. I could only hope to be as happy and kind a person as he was. To his family I am deeply sorry for your loss. 

 Posted by Alicia Estlack - Cleveland, OH - Former co-worker March 31, 2015

I'll miss you forever Buddy

 Posted by Michelle Rudy April 01, 2015

Dear Rose Ellyn and Family, We were so sorry to read of the passing of your son. We pray you will find comfort in all the joy he brought into your family. We also pray your faith will sustain you at this time. Your Friends, Sharon and Emery Blanksma

 Posted by Sharon and Emery Blanksma - Holland, MI - Friends April 01, 2015

Although I only worked with Kevin for two years, he was one of the kindest and gentlest people I have ever known. I am so sorry for your loss.

 Posted by Beverly Robinson - Reynoldsburg, OH - Co worker April 01, 2015

I am grateful for having known Kevin during our many years of working at Metro. You could count on Kevin to always be friendly, upbeat, and positive, as well as helpful, polite, and thankful. We shared many laughs. My condolences to Kevin's family.

 Posted by Cheryl Beltz - Grand Rapids, MI - Coworker and Friend April 01, 2015

Kevin was always so kind, caring, and jolly. I will miss the joy he brought to work. My deepest sympathies. 

 Posted by Emily Tornga April 01, 2015

I often would run into Kevin in the hallways at Metro and he always had a nod or a greeting to me and his his fellow employees as our paths crossed. Blessings to his family

 Posted by Sharon Bahr - Grand Rapids, MI - co-worker April 02, 2015

Kevin was such a great guy. I looked forward to our friendly banter that I knew would happen when I worked at hospital. Always a smile and a laugh with him. I prayed to God that he would introduce him to my aunt in heaven because I know they will get along and have fun together! My family sends our deepest condolances and love to you in this time.

 Posted by Rachelle Salisbury - Grand Rapids, MI - co-worker April 02, 2015

I will miss you coming in to Cytology to, as you would say, "just coming in to say hello...hello" and leaving us uplifted. You were always there with a cheerdul willingness and cannot be replaced. I'm greatful to have known you.

 Posted by Deb Vallillee - Fellow Metro Health Employee April 02, 2015

It has been almost 9 years since I retired from Metropolitan Hospital, but I remember Kevin well. He was always a friendly, willing to help part of our lab community. My best recollection of Kevin is of this big, 'teddy bear' of a guy with a permanent smile on his face. I knew of Kevin's health problems and it is sad to think of this young man leaving us so early, but at least his suffering is over.

 Posted by Carl Eugene Soechtig - Grand Rapids, MI - Lab Director at Metro Hospital April 02, 2015

I only knew Kevin for the short time I have been at Metro, but was glad I had the opportunity to know him! Kevin always made a point to say hello to me when I came over to the Lab and was always willing to help me if I needed something. It's comforting to know he was a man of faith and I look forward to seeing him again one day. Kevin, you have run your race well, and I'm sure you have already heard the Lord say "Well done, my good and faithful servant!" We will really miss you at Metro!

 Posted by Jeff Roe - Holland, MI April 02, 2015

I firmly believe there is a purpose for everyone in one's life - not all purposes are clear, but somehow you find yourself drawn to that person nonetheless. Kevin is no exception - in hindsight, no matter what kind of day I was having, I found myself anticipating Kevin's knock on our door in the IT Exchange Room every Thursday afternoon. He was always on time and ready to help, no matter the task. His willingness to learn was always an inspiration to me.
 Rest in Peace, Brother in Christ.

 Posted by Mike Hoekstra - Alto, MI - Co-Worker April 02, 2015

You will truly be missed RIP my friend

 Posted by Mevelyn Potts - grand rapids , MI - Friend and co-worker April 03, 2015

I am sorry for your lost. It is always difficult when our children proceed us into Gods loving arms. But know that God will take care and watch over him until we get there. Love, Sue Hillyer

 Posted by Sue Millard Hillyer - Dorr, MI - Co worker with Rose Ellen April 03, 2015

I want to extend my sympathies to family and friends. I worked at Metro lab with Kevin until I retired in 2008. He was a kind, compassionate person. Joanne

 Posted by Joanne Jones - Grand Rapids, MI - former co-worker April 08, 2015

OBITUARY

Kevin Jay Van Van Buren

August 23, 1970 – March 29, 2015

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