John Hyatt

John Samuel Hyatt, age 69 of Grand Rapids, passed away peacefully and full of hope on Saturday, April 7, 2018. He left his beautiful and beloved wife, Mary, of forty-three years to continue celebrating his wonderful, vividly colorful and theatrical life where the beautiful scenic lights (LED, of course) in heaven are brighter. Missing him now and always will be his children, Kai Li Fouts (Hyatt) Jette and Trey Fouts-Hyatt, their spouses, Chris Jette, and Angie Fouts-Hyatt, and all eight of his adored grand kiddos . . . Sydney, Macey, Cerys, Kale, Cade, Elley, Noah and Caleb. His loving parents, Baxter and Dorothy Hyatt, raised him in Madison, Wisconsin, where he graduated from Central High School. He continued on to Luther College, in Decorah, Iowa, where he received a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre. He then enlisted in the United States Army, and served as a Defense Information Journalist in the 82nd Airborne. Upon honorable discharge from the Army, he entered graduate school at the University of Wisconsin-Madison (Go Bucky!) and attained his Master of Fine Arts, a terminal degree, in Theatrical Design and Technology. A professorship at Grand Valley State University brought John and his young family to Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he taught theater design, tech and lighting. In 1984, John and Mary established John S. Hyatt and Associates, Inc. in order to help theatre organizations achieve their design dreams and visions. John was an artist in every way. His love of photography and music, his scenic design, and his ability to create lighting experiences so all could truly see their beauty was matched only by his passion for family, his pride in their talents and accomplishments, and his love of listening, engaging and sharing stories with the people around him. The family welcomes all to a visitation on Friday, April 13th, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Arsulowicz Brothers Remembrance Chapel, 3525 Remembrance Road NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504. A Celebration of John will be held on Saturday, April 14th, at 3:30 p.m. at Grand Rapids Civic Theatre, 30 N. Division Avenue, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. In lieu of flowers, the family asks contributions be made to Festival of the Arts or any other charitable organization in John's name. festivalgr.org/the_hub/donate