Ronald Palmer

Ronald Todd Palmer (Arnie, RP), 57, went to meet his Dad on the first tee in Heaven on Tuesday, April 13, 2021 surrounded by family and friends after his year and a half battle with cancer. Ron leaves a legacy of love for family and hard work, and he was a great friend to many. He was born on April 28, 1963 to Donald and Donna Palmer and he grew up in Grandville, north of the river. Ron was a graduate of Grandville High School class of 1981 and remained a lifelong resident with his wife Kim and children Nick and Liz, whom he loved with all his heart. They were his purpose for all he did.

Ron was an avid golfer, thus his nickname “Arnie.” His interest and love of the game started early by hearing stories from his dad who had been instrumental in the building of the L. E. Kaufman Golf Course. After high school, he attended Ferris State University’s professional golf management program. He interned in Huntsville, Alabama, where he was embraced with southern hospitality and made many long-lasting friendships with those he considered to be his second family. He returned to Michigan with a new outlook on life and his favorite recipe for shrimp creole. Ron would later earn a bachelor’s degree in business from Davenport (College) University, then using his education and affinity for people, worked as a sales consultant for Smith-Diamond Realty for 17 years.

He loved teaching and playing the game of golf. It was his dream to one day win the Kent County Amateur Golf Tournament, which he “made the cut” for several years. He used his golf experience and talent by joining the Grandville boys golf team as assistant JV coach; he soon became the current varsity coach. He had a knack for connecting with young people and was a positive influence in many of the lives he touched. He was a vibrant person to whom kids naturally were attracted.

Ron loved and supported Grandville Public Schools, having come from a lineage of Grandville schoolteachers. He and Kim were active athletic boosters and known to be “lucky” at the annual car party fundraiser. In addition to selling homes, he was a school bus driver for Grandville sports teams and could be spotted in the rain on the football field as a member of the “chain gang.” He was always in the stands cheering on his kids and family members who were athletes in baseball, lacrosse, soccer, volleyball, softball, and basketball. He was a positive force who was ready to give hugs in times of celebration and in defeat.

His other loves were fishing and hunting, having had many adventures on Canadian lakes, Lake Erie, and up north in the woods. He enjoyed spending time at the cottage on Big Star Lake, entertaining family and friends with pontoon rides, games of Cribbage, and an occasional Dewars on the rocks. A favorite date night was Wednesday trivia nights at the Sports Center Café, getting the music questions right while watching the Keno numbers. For Ron, it was all about family and friends.

Ron was preceded in death by his father, Donald, and his parents-in-law Robert and Patricia Ver Sluis. He is survived by his mother, Donna Mills Palmer; his wife of 20 years, Kimberlee; son, Robert Nicklaus; daughter, Elizabeth; sister, Lou Ann Palmer (Bill Slanger); brother, Raymond Palmer (Barbara); sisters-in-law Sheri Ver Sluis Wadsworth (Casey), Suzi Moore (Tom); nieces and nephews Renay Palmer, Corey Palmer, Andrew Dygert (Anjela, Kaylen and Quinton), Maxwell Dygert (Neleka); the Mills family; aunt Karen; cousins; and many, many friends.

Visitation will be held Thursday, April 22, 2021 from 1 - 3 p.m. and 6 - 8 p.m. at Sunnybrook County Club, 624 Port Sheldon St. SW, Grandville, MI. The memorial service to celebrate Ron’s life will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, April 23, 2021 at Resurrection Life Church, 5100 Ivanrest Ave. SW, Wyoming, MI (Doors E & H). For those who wish to attend virtually, you can do so at this link https://youtu.be/7WVilK1cqH0.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Grandville boys golf and/or girls volleyball programs. Checks can be made payable to Grandville High School and marked for golf or volleyball. Send to 4700 Canal Ave. SW, Grandville, MI 49418. Donations may also be sent to Guiding Light. Make checks payable to Guiding Light and mail to P.O. Box 1703, Grand Rapids, MI 49501.

The family welcomes memories and messages in their guest book online at www.cookcaresgrandville.com.