You were very special to me i miss you so much you would be so proud of how far ive come in swimming and school just in general

Grandpa Tom will always be remembered in our hearts  for his huge roll in our kiddos lives!  So often Pat and him would attend their sporting events and academic accomplishments!  Always cheering them along the way and giving some advice when they needed it!  An avid golfer also assisted the boys with their skills on the course! We love you forever and our family is better because you were a part of it!  Not goodbye but see you later! Go WO! 

“He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭91:4‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Hold onto those feathers Pat, through the days and nights ahead! May you be protected on every bike ride as you are out and about, taking in every opportunity to feel the breeze flow through your helmet and let the fresh air renew your spirit! 
God is mightier than any of us can imagine and He will be your keep and your watch and your guard! God knows your need and will constantly be at your side and will know your comings and going’s forever more! Just as He was with Tom, and now Tom is with Him and now together they are with you! 
Be well, Pat and know you are loved by all those who have been so blessed by your constant friendship for years! First we thank you for being there so many years ago for Rick! 
Thank you too, for being surrogate Grandparents for Zack, Jake and Lyndsay at every sporting event we were unable to attend! You were our Rock and then at times all four of us were occupying those bleacher seats! 
You have a strong supportive family that cares deeply for you and we do too! 
❤️Dick and Susan 

Yesterday we lost a piece of my heart. A man who never missed a tennis match, who spent countless hours teaching me how to prefect my backhand, preparing me for concert solos, fixing broken car mirrors, cracking jokes, and teaching life lessons. He was more than just a grandpa, he was a best friend. I am so great full for every second we got together. To know him was to love him, and if you were lucky enough to I’m sure he brightened your life in some way. Rest easy grandpa, I’ll see you on the 19th hole.

Yesterday was one of the HARDEST days of my life. Grandpa went to his eternal home. It gives me peace knowing grandma was by his side and he was comfortable. He fought a tough battle over the last few weeks. Our entire family is so thankful we took the trip to the Dells 3 weeks ago. Grandpa loved us all and made us all feel like we were his favorite. Rest In Peace grandpa. Until we meet again. #Heartbroken #TakeTheTrip #GrandpasGirl

My thoughts and prayers to Pat, Jay and Mike….RIP to a man that to this day had/has a BIG influence in my life. So many lessons learned in so many different ways…..He ALWAYS had time for me no matter what !! God Bless to a GREAT man and Family !!! 

Tom was always so upbeat and positive. He loved and supported West Ottawa students and teachers not only through his attendance at all the activities but through his smile and positive words. He will dearly be missed. Our wishes for peace and comfort are extended to you Pat and family. 
Blessings,
Jim and Deb Caserta

I saw Tom and Pat at a local eatery a few years ago. I snuck up and payed the tab for them but the waitress gave me up. He came running over like a giddy little kid and gave me a big hug! Always such a gentle soul. Thinking of the Updegraff Family. God Bless you all.
                 Brian Bontekoe / W.O. Class of 83

Dear Pat, you and your family are in our prayers as you mourn and learn to wake and walk each day on earth without Tom. We ask God to provide you comfort and endurance in the weeks ahead. I am forever grateful that, through WO and travel sports with Alex, both Connor and Terah were blessed to know you and Tom as their "extra" grandparents during their childhood years. That connection has shaped them as adults-- and there are countless others that can say the same. That is the mark of a life well-lived, and together you lived life so well! Thank you! He will be greatly missed.  

Pat and family,
So sad to hear Tom passed away.  We have many great memories of you all and especially taking golf lessons (haven’t touched a club since!) with you both.  Tom always had a smile on his face and just thinking about him makes me smile!  What a guy!  We’re praying for peace on  this new journey that your family now takes without him.  May you have comfort knowing how loved he was in our community and that we keep you all in our hearts.

To Pat an family   We are so sorry for  your loss He was a great man I always enjoy seeing  you an him out an about He always had a smile for every one  He will be missed May he Rest In Peace


I am saddened by this news and send the whole family my deepest condolences. Mr. Updegraff was a positive spirit in our school, in band, and in life.  He was universally respected by the kids--no small feat-- and so dedicated to his profession. Leading a school sets the tone for everyone and we were so fortunate to have his leadership and support. May his memory uplift all who knew him and may his spirit live on in his family and community always. Warm regards and hugs, Amy

Joe and I are so sorry for your loss!  Your love was so evident. May he Rest In Peace! Amen🙏

Tom and Pat most certainly were and are "Super fans of WO".  Always enjoyed visiting with them in the stands for many sporting events.  He will be greatly missed and always remembered.
Sending our love,
John and Karen Daniel

Mr. Updegraff was the consummate educator, supporter, and friend to all.
Fortunately for us, he bled "Panther" red!
My sincere condolences to Pat, his family, and all who loved him.
Rest in peace my friend.

My Senior year in '84 I has a carpentry class. The painter that was hired to do the interior of the house ended up buying me business cards for my refinishing business I was working at the time. Tom called me and wanted me to refinish an Oak Rocking Chair that he had in his family. It was a challenge as I didn't really know anything about upholstery. Got the job done. Tom called the house and thanked me for doing the job and also had a talk with my Dad. Don't know what was said but dad came around the corner wearing a proud smile. Tom was always bopping around the halls of the High School with a smile on his face. He was glad to be around all of us and he really liked what he did. My thoughts and prayers go to his family.
 

Tom and Pat brightened our day whenever they visited us at Holland Peanut Store.   
Fresh roasted Spanish Peanuts, hot off the roaster...most definitely their favorite! 
Just being around them, we could see how much Tom loved & respected Pat.  

Our family expresses our sadness, sincere condolences and heartfelt prayers to Pat & her entire loving family.


I met Tom and Pat when I worked at McDonald’s.They always had a kind word for me.They even wrote a letter to my owner about me.Tom will be missed by me and all who knew him.My prayers a e with you Pat and family .

I remember when he would walk down the hallways at WO HighSchool while playing an instrument. He could play many different instruments. He was one of my favorite teachers. He always made me feel like I could play anything. He was a card too. Always making band fun for all. 
Peace to his family. He was a blessed man. 

Sorry to hear about Tom. He was an awesome person. administrator and educator. 

I had Mr. Updegraff for band and have many good memories of those times. He was tough on us, but that is what it took to be a great band. I remember the competitions, the football games, the many practices and summer camp. He put many, many hours in to make us the peppy band we were. I remember the "run ons" to the field and the practices with our squads. We were able to do 8 to 5s with our eyes shut and hit the line squarely each time. 

Now it is many years later and I must say that those were some of the best times of my life. I have much respect for him and he will always be Mr. Updegraff to  me. 

I am so sorry to hear of his passing.

W.O. Class of '76

Nancy and I send our condolences and prayers. Tom was a special individual in many respects. I worked with him for many years and admired his insights, thoughtfulness, and ability to deal with people. He was not only a friend, a colleague, but a mentor. I will miss his smile and his enthusiasm.  

I was going into my senior year (81-82) at WOHS when long-time band director Gary Lucas left for a new job.  The school hadn't hired a new director by band camp time, so "Uppy" (he signed his band arrangements with that) called himself out of retirement and ran band camp for us.  It was a little different having the HS principal come out and be the band director, but he pulled us together and made it happen.  "There's no way on God's green earth this isn't going to happen" was a favorite phrase that week, as I recall.  We had a great week, and many times over my own 31-year career as a director I recalled those rehearsals as something special and tried to bring that spirit to my groups.


He was “Mr. Updegraff” to me for years and then, when I became an “adult” I  was  “allowed” by my parents (who were close friends with the Updegraffs), to call him  “Tom”!  
Honestly, I struggled with that “transition”, only because “Mr. Updegraff” was the most influential Teacher, Band Director and Mentor that I had, at West Ottawa! (1971-1975)
To this day, I cannot listen to a hit song by “Chicago” (that our Marching Band played with ENTHUSIASM for him, both on the football field during halftime shows and in the Tulip Time Parades), without seeing his INFECTIOUS smile!  
Mr. Updegraff  (“Tom”) has touched soooooo many lives, during his time here on earth!  
…….I feel BLESSED,  to be one of those people! ♥️

Mr. Updegraff was one of my favorite teachers and a major reason I stayed in band all through High School.  He made band practice fun even though we had to keep at it until it was perfect! Hearing the music we used to play always reminds me of him.  I'm so sad to hear that he is gone.   RIP

Sue Dunwiddie Hazen 
WOHS '75

A great man/soul.  Our loss is heaven's gain.

❤ Bill

I was one of Tom's band students when he started at WO.  He put some real pep in our marching band and made band class something to look forward to. A true Panther. Rest in peace.

We lost a great person and friend this past week Tom Updegraff. Our condolences go out to the family. His wife Pat and his boys Jay (Julie) and Mike (Sandy)
I first met Tom in 1963. We were both teaching at Kentwood HS without tenure. We both knew if the mileage didn’t pass our jobs were in jeopardy.  I had a minor in counseling and was hired by WO. My wife noticed that WO also needed a band instructor and encouraged Tom to apply. We both came to WO in 1963.
Not only was Tom a great Band instructor but ended up as an outstanding HS Principal. 
Our families became great friends and our son still plays golf with his son Jay.
Tom loves WO and all the kids who went there.
Tom became their biggest supporter and will be greatly missed.

Pat, my deepest sympathy to you and your family.  I know Tom was a special man, and he will be deeply missed.  May God's peace and love surround you.

Mr. Updegraff, 
You believed in me; you believed in all of us. You made music fun without letting go of the perfection you always expected from us. Personally, you challenged me, supported me, afforded me opportunities, and you taught me so very much. Thank you.  You made it easy to work hard because of your incredible passion, love and expertise for music and all it represents. You certainly helped me discover and grow that same passion and love. Two of my favorite pieces you recreated for us to play (way back in the late 60’s and early 70’s) will always be in my heart: Chicago’s ‘25 or 6 to 4,’ and Glen Campbell’s ‘By the Time I get to Phoenix.’ I can remember the last time we marched to ‘25 or 6 to 4’ and the last time I played ‘Phoenix.’ Both times I was in tears… The impact you had on my life left an indelible impression. You gave me, and all of us, the gift of amazing music and the gift of you, and for that I am eternally grateful. Rest In Peace ’Uppy.’

Sorry to misspell Mr. Updegraff’s name! One of the images that comes to mind when I think of him are his hand written scores run off on mimeographed paper. No excuse, but he’d probably understand.

Mr.Updegraph was one of my absolute favorite teachers in high school. His passion for making music fun for all shone through the snappy arrangements he composed from contemporary music. The marching band learned not only to play the songs, we learned how to dance in rhythm at football games and in parades. A couple of my favorite performances were Chicago’s  25 or 6 to 4, and Three Dog Night’s Joy the the World.  Thanks for helping make my high school years so fun. I’m lucky to have had you in my life! 

I have such fond memories of Tom at church. Tom without exception always entered the sanctuary with a smile and hardy handshake to greet anyone he came in contact with at service.  Tom always exhibited joy in life. His love and affection for Pat and all of his family permeated beyond his family to all who interacted with him. Tom’s was a wonderful man and his approach to life is worth emulating.

Chris Polich

OBITUARY

Howard T. "Tom" Updegraff

October 31, 1939 – August 14, 2021

Lakeshore Memorial Services

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