This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: Bosma, Dozeman, VerSluis, Gilman, Kahllo, MacDonald Classification: Obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/QFB.2ACE/680 Message Board Post: Rufus Bosma Jr. - Pine Lake, beloved husband, father, grandfather, passed away Friday, May 31, 2002. The youngest of nine children, Rufus was born in Kalamazoo on July 20, 1917, the son of Rufus and Alice (Dozeman) Bosma. A graduate of Kalamazoo Central High School, he owned Bosma Brothers Celery Co. in the 1940's. Rufus also worked for Arcan's, Inc in Plainwell for many years. A resident of Pine Lake since 1945, he had been spending active retirement winters in Florida for 20 years. He is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Eunice H. (VerSluis) Bosma, the daughter of Reint L. and Dena M. (Gilman) VerSluis, who owned VerSluis Celery. He is survived by his four children, Phil (Susan) Bosma of Virginia, Steve (Ann) Bosma of California, Greg (Marty) Bosma of Plainwell, and Lois (Jim) Kahllo of Gun Lake. He leaves his six grandchildren, Alan (Jennifer) Bosma, Kevin (Kim) Bosma, Andy Bosma, Rachel Bosma, Christian Kahllo, Lacey Kahllo; and two step-grandchildren, Scott Mac! Donald and Brad MacDonald. He was preceded in death by his grandson, Michael Bosma in 1990. Rufus in addition has three great- granddaughters, Samantha, Stephanie, and Stacey Bosma; as well as many nieces and nephews. Also he leaves his very special friends and neighbors, Charles and Barbara Brigham of Pine Lake. Rufus was a tall athletic man known for his ability to tackle any building project, as well as for his grace on the dance floor. He had been an active fisherman and hunter, and enjoyed all the activities of lake living. Those lucky enough to have known Rufus learned that his real gifts were his ever-ready sense of humor and generous personality. He was kind, quick with a smile, and always ready to listen. It has been reported by one and all that he never had a bad word for anyone. Wherever he and Eunice lived or traveled, they came away with fast, devoted friends. He maintained excellent health until recently when he fought a short surprising battle with cancer. His! wishes were for cremation, with no traditional funeral. The family requests no flowers, but memorial contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society. Rufus will be missed greatly by all who knew and loved him. He was a source of wisdom and a friend, as well as a father. We'll see you again, Dad. source: Kalamazoo Gazette Tues Jun 4, 2002 (submitted by a volunteer, no further information)