Leonard "Len" Lee Gilmore

Leonard “Len” Lee Gilmore, 72, of Zeeland, Michigan, passed away on August 10, 2026. Len was born April 8, 1954, in Muskegon Heights, Michigan, to Ray and Arlene Gilmore. One of two children, Len and his brother grew up in Muskegon Heights, where Len graduated from Oak Ridge High School in 1972.

Following high school, Len began learning his trade as a carpenter. He spent his entire working life in carpentry and worked at Baker in Holland for most of that time. Around 1995, Len retired from Baker due to health issues—closing a long chapter of steady work marked by skill, reliability, and pride in doing things the right way.

During his time in Muskegon Heights, Len met Barbara Joe. They were married in 1976. Together they served as foster parents for 20 years and ran a daycare for 30 years. In the 1980s, they moved to the Holland area, where they set down permanent roots. In time, they felt called to adopt and went on to adopt their children, Bill, Jeff, and Desiree. Their home became a place defined by love and togetherness, and Len and Barbara found deep joy in caring for their family. In 2006, Barbara passed away, leaving a loss that was felt for a long time to come.

Len’s devotion to family was woven into everyday life. When the children were growing up, they fondly remember camping at Blue Lake, along with many other trips to the beach and campgrounds—simple days that became lasting memories. Len was a Cubs baseball fan, and one of his great joys was seeing them win the World Series. He also had a lifelong interest in cars, building model cars with Bill, Jeff, and Desiree, and taking satisfaction in fixing up cars as well. Known as the family handyman, Len took great pride in being the one others could count on, and he made a point of passing those skills along—something Connor especially absorbed and remembers warmly.

After retirement, Len enjoyed attending car shows and could often be found doing genealogy for everyone connected to the family. He leaves behind stacks of books and binders filled with carefully gathered information, preserved for future generations. As a grandparent, Len was doting and steadfast—doing whatever he could to show his grandchildren they were supported. He also delighted in small joys, including giving the grandchildren any candy in the home and sending them back to their parents.

Len was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Joe Gilmore; his father, Ray Gilmore; and his mother, Arlene Gilmore.

He is survived by his children, Bill (Rachael) Gilmore, Jeff Gilmore, and Desiree Gilmore; and his grandchildren, Connor Gilmore, Bill Gilmore Jr., Damon Spelich, and Riley Gilmore as well as numerous extended family members.

Len will be greatly missed by all those whose life he impacted.