Jack R. Brouwer

BROUWER, JACK R. Jack R. Brouwer, aged 88, of Grand Rapids, passed away Thursday morning, January 9, 2013 and went home to be with his Lord and Savior. He is survived by Ruth, his wife of 66 years; his three children, Linda (Donald) Sloat, Douglas (Susan) Brouwer, Wendy (Jim) Mersman; and five grandchildren, Amanda Sloat, Molly Sloat, Sarah Brouwer, Elizabeth Brouwer, and Brian Mersman. After serving with the Seabees at Pearl Harbor during World War II, he joined the Jaqua Advertising Agency where he worked for 41 years as an artist and Chairman of the Board. He was a member of LaGrave Ave. Christian Reformed Church. He served as Elder at his church and was on various nonprofit boards including the Board of Christian Schools. His interests in life were his wife, his children, and grandchildren. He loved his grandchildren and took special pride in their accomplishments as they grew up, attending their games and special events. He especially enjoyed Tiger games and his grandson's hockey games. He was a long time member and devoted racquetball player at the Peninsular Club. A true artist at heart, retirement allowed him to pursue his love of watercolor painting and achieve signature membership in the American Watercolor Society. His paintings can be found in national and international corporate and personal collections. Jack and seven other renowned artists formed the "West Michigan Eight". He enjoyed nature's beauty and traveled extensively throughout the world with his wife to explore God's creations. He had written, "To travel… to observe… to paint the wonders of God's creation is to celebrate life." Funeral service will be 11:00 AM January 13, 2014, at the Zaagman Memorial Chapel, Rev. Wilbert Van Dyk officiating. Visitation hours at the Zaagman Memorial Chapel are January 12, Sunday, from 2 to 5 PM and Monday from 10 to 11 AM prior to the service. Interment Woodlawn Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Back to God Hour or Bethany Christian Homes.