Charles John Bylsma

Worked with Charlie many years at Burbank tree service in Grand Rapids And we became very close friends I even drove up from Texas to attend one of his yearly summer parties great guy, will miss him.

Sharon and families. We are so sorry for your loss of an Awesome friend. See you guys ate at the Red Anchor in Croton quite often. We are camped at Sandy Beach. We met you there. May 4th started our 11th seasonal there. I also walk with a Walker as did Charlie that may be how we connected and started talking. We go to the Red Anchor for dinner every Fri night for the past 10 years. I asked Craig if he has seen you out and about thats when I learned of Charlies passing. He always had a story...

Here was Charlie's message when he left the City... I have kept it all these years...." The answer is never the answer. What is really interesting is the mystery. If you seek the mystery instead of the answer, you'll always be seeking I've never seen anybody really find the answer... They think they hav, so they stop thinking. But the job is to seek the mystery, plant a garden in which strange plants grow and mysteries bloom. The need for mystery is greater than the need for an answer." Ken...

RIP Charlie! I met Charlie and Sharon during my time as a City of GR employee. Charlie was a gentle giant in so many ways. My deepest condolences to the whole family. My thoughts, prayers to you all, during this most difficult time. Sending love hugs and positive energy. May the many good memories help to keep Charlie close in your heart. He is with you where ever you are.

I met Charlie when I started with the City in March of 1980. Got to know him better during the strike, through leaving AFSCME and then working in Water. I learned a lot from Charlie through the years. He was a good teacher and a good man ~ always pleasant, funny and witty. Charlie gave the best hugs. My condolences to the family on your loss.

My sympathy's to Charle's family. I worked with Charle in the parks and he was my Union President when I lost my job at Belknap Ice arena. He represented me in trying to keep the arena and my job. I was in awe at he negotiated with labor relations and representatives from Amway. I was the only Union employe but it made no difference to Charle, it was the principal. I was glad to call Charle a friend and will always remember what he did for me.
Charle was smart had guts and a big hart and...

We are very sorry to hear of your loss, Marilee and family. May he rest in peace in the arms of our Heavenly Lord.
Jim and Sally Crosby
Wyoming MI