Mike Kapteyn, age 58, passed away surrounded by his family at home in Lowell, Michigan on May 12, 2020 following a four-year struggle with brain cancer. Mike inspired others with the positive way he met the challenge of his terminal diagnosis living every day giving his best. Mike was born on November 20, 1961 and grew up in the Byron Center area. Mike was a builder who specialized in custom work, a craft he learned from his father. He spent years working with his business partner and brother, Dan, to build many homes in west Michigan. Mike used his wood working skills to build and design impeccable kayaks. He enjoyed spending time on the water in his kayak where he often drew crowds admiring his fine work. Mike loved the outdoors and enjoyed many hiking and kayaking trips with his family and friends. Mike is survived by his wife of 32 years, Sally Kapteyn; their children, Ashley (Phil) Stone, Kevin Kapteyn (Annelyse Dlouhy); his beloved granddaughter, Brielle Stone; sisters, Laurie (Bruce) Morrison, Amy Kortman and Rachael (Randy) VanLaar; step mother, Norma Kapteyn; in-laws Jim (Carla) VanAsselt; sister-in-laws, Luanne Helsen, Sandee Babb, Laurie (Jim) Reitsma; step-siblings Cindy (Doug) Lameyer, Scott (Shelly) Stegenga, Kurt (Sue) Stegenga; Nieces and nephews Jennifer (Jeremy) Wiltenburg, Jeff Helsen, DJ Babb, Kammy Babb, Cassie, Babb, Matt Reitsma, Baily Reitsma, Kelly Reitsma, Jenna Reitsma, Jason Reitsma, Jay Morrison, Noah (Liz) Morrison, Jeff (Gayathri) Kortman, Greg (Tracy) Kortman, Kelsie Kortman, Jake (Abby) Vanlaar, Luke Vanlaar, Micah VanLaar; and many other friends and family who he loved dearly. He was preceded in death by his parents, Klaas and Deanna Kapteyn; brother, Daniel Kapteyn; nieces, Rachael Morrison and Joy Deanne VanLaar; mother in law, Carolyn VanAsselt A memorial service will take place on Monday at 6:00 PM. Family and friends who wish to view the service will be able to watch the memorial service on Zoom. ***Please download the free ZOOM app to participate.*** Kapteyn Memorial May 18, 2020 05:50 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87102971620?pwd=NTZvWWZiU0dNSGZYNTZBMks3ZGcyQT09 Meeting ID: 871 0297 1620 Password: 446359 To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Michael Scott Kapteyn please visit our Sympathy Store.
I am very sad hearing of Mike's passing. He was an amazing paddler and his beautifully crafted kayaks were a sight to behold. Sally and family, you have my deepest heartfelt condolences and I am terribly sorry for your loss. Janet Dykstra
- Janet Dykstra
Our sIncere condolences to Sally and family for your loss. Farewell to my good friend and kayaking buddy who has left us to travel where there’s only joy, peace, and no pain. Thanks for the fun kayaking trips, great memories and most of all for your friendship. Safe travels my friend. We’ll see you on the other side. Jim and Karen Jorgensen
- James Jorgensen
Sally, Ashley, and Kevin, We are sorry for Mike's passing. He was a great guy that I really enjoyed time on the water with, and of course marveling over his amazing creation of truly artistic and functional kayaks. He was always so humble about his abilities! He was a very good paddler as well, and we had good times together. I hope your good memories help you all through the coming weeks and summer. Steve & Brenda, Lauren & Megan Adsmond
- Steve Adsmond
Sally, I was so sorry to hear of the loss of your husband Mike. You and your families are in my thoughts and prayers. ❤️🙏 Tracye Macauley, ISD-HCA
- Tracye Macauley
Oh Sally, I am so sorry for your loss. I still remember the amazing kayak paddle he brought into the hospital when he was recovering. I’ll be thinking of you and your family. Barb Fishback
- Barbara Fishback
Country Basket Blooms was purchased for the family of Michael Scott Kapteyn.
- Country Basket Blooms
Beautiful Heart Bouquet was purchased for the family of Michael Scott Kapteyn.
- Beautiful Heart Bouquet
Large Basket Garden was purchased for the family of Michael Scott Kapteyn.
- Large Basket Garden
I am sure there are beautiful lakes and rivers for you to kayak on where you are now!
- Jerry Beauchamp
Beautiful in Blue was purchased for the family of Michael Scott Kapteyn.
- Beautiful in Blue
Mike was a wonderful, brilliant caring man. He showed so much love to my children when Sally day-cared for them. He will never be forgotten. Sending love and prayers to the Kapteyn family. Jeff, Debbie, Matt & Lauren Kurtz
- Debra Kurtz
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