John Leegwater of Grand Rapids, age 87, went to be with his Lord on February 19, 2023. John was born in the Netherlands in 1935 and immigrated to the United States at the age of 13. He served in the U.S. Army, earned his BA from Calvin College and his MSW from the University of Michigan. He worked as Kent County Supervisor of Protective Services from 1965-1967 and at Metropolitan Hospital from 1967 until his retirement as Chief Operating Officer in 1999. John served on several community boards, was active at LaGrave Avenue Christian Reformed Church and Church of the Servant CRC and was involved in the founding of several new community programs and agencies: Franklin Hall Health Clinic, Jellema House, Park School, and Kent County Neglect and Abuse Committee. John was a dedicated philanthropist, loving husband, father and grandfather. He was preceded in death by his parents Jacob and Cornelia Leegwater; and his brother, Arie Leegwater. He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Barbara; children, Mark and Gwen, and Steve and Nanette; grandchildren, Erin, Noah, Tom (Lauren), Adam, and Ellen; and his sisters, Betty (Bernie) VanderIest, and Mary (Keith) Beavon.

A memorial service will be held at 1 PM on Monday, February 27 at Zaagman Memorial Chapel, 2800 Burton St SE, Chad Boorsma officiating. Friends may visit with his family for one hour prior to the service at Zaagman.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Wycliffe Bible Translators preferencing Joshua and Virginia Ham in the memo line of the check: Wycliffe Bible Translators, 11221 John Wycliffe Blvd, Orlando, FL 32832. Donor_relations@Wycliffe.org (800) 992-5433 or to University of Michigan Health West Foundation, 5900 Byron Center Ave Wyoming, MI 49519. www.uofmhealthwest.org/donate