Steven Henry Brook

On Thursday, February 17, 2022, Steven "Steve" Henry Brook, age 65 of Jenison, MI, went to be with his Lord and Savior. He passed away from ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis). Steve was born August 28, 1956 in Grand Haven, MI to Donald and Gladys (Poel) Brook. His brothers are Edward, John, and Richard. Throughout his life, he lived in Grand Haven, Grand Rapids, and Jenison, Michigan.

He will be lovingly missed by his wife of 43 years, Ruth Gowran Myers. He is also survived by Gladys Brook, John Brook (Rita), and Richard Brook (Carol) - all of Grand Haven, MI; and children Gabrielle Brook of Casselberry, FL, Jordan Brook of Greenville, SC, and Kylee Brook of Jenison, MI. Other relatives left behind include nephew, Brian Brook (Madeline) of Pittsburgh, PA; niece, Betsi Farris (Ryan) of Grand Rapids, MI; and granddaughter, Macenna Bessey. He was preceded in death by brother, Edward Brook (July 4, 1977) and father, Donald Brook (February 7, 1995).

Steve began playing violin in fourth grade. He graduated from Grand Haven's Central Elementary, Middle, and High Schools. One memorable honor was being named "class musician" by his classmates. He went on to receive other college, university, and Michigan State University designations, awards, and other recognition. Steve became a professional musician - playing violin and teaching. He played for 42 seasons with the Grand Rapids Symphony (1979-2021). In 1980, Steve became the violist for, and a founding member of, the Fontana Ensemble of Shelbyville, MI. Steve played numerous solo programs for nursing and veteran's homes, VFW posts, ladies' clubs, and private parties. His achievements include: touring Sweden with the Grand Haven High School choir in 1974; Taiwan with the Taipei Philharmonic in 1978; Japan as a sister city visit sponsored by the city of Grand Rapids and the Grand Rapids Symphony in 1986; Mexico with the Fontana Ensemble in the late 1980s; Guatemala with pianist, Rich Ridenour, and the American Pops Machine in 2012; US tour of 11 states as Classical Gas, with Allied Tours in 2013. He taught as adjunct faculty at Calvin College and Cornerstone University, orchestra paraprofessional at Jenison Public Schools, orchestra clinician at MSBOA clinics, volunteer at many Michigan K-12 schools. Steve was also an active composer, arranger, editor, and music proofreader for Alfred Music Publishing. His string arrangement of Tum Balalaika was voted Editor's Top Pick at J.W. Pepper. He performed his solo viola arrangement of the Wizard of Oz many times for audiences of all ages.

Other hobbies included sports, astronomy, canoeing, camping, golf, puzzles, and working in the yard. He freely shared his talents for music, humor, and teaching Sunday school with the Grace Bible Church of Grandville, MI for 33 years. Steve was not only a wonderfully talented musician, but a wonderful husband and father as well. Words that sum up his life: “He had a great sense of humor, and he was a man who was well liked by all.”

Steve’s family would like to thank Faith Hospice, Georgetown Bible Church, ALS Clinic of Mercy Health at Hauenstein Neuroscience Center.

Visitation will take place from 5-8 p.m. Monday, February 21, 2022 at Cook Memorial Chapel, 4235 Prairie St. SW, Grandville, MI. 49418. Funeral service will be held 1 p.m. Tuesday, February 22 at Georgetown Bible Church, 4114 Baldwin Hudsonville, MI 49426, with one hour visitation prior. Service will be livestreamed; Pastor Michael Hasper officiating. Internment will be at Lake Forest Cemetery in Grand Haven, MI. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of the following in memory of Steve: Grace Bible Church Missionary Christmas Fund, 3715 Wilson Ave. SW, Grandville, MI 49418; Love Inc., 3300 Van Buren St., Hudsonville, MI 49426; or Love in Action, 326 Ferry St., Grand Haven, MI 49417. The family welcomes memories and messages in their guest book online at www.cookcaresgrandville.com.