November 15 1953 September 24 2019
John’s Obituary John D. “Kapooi” Waite, age 65 of Bitely, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, September 24, 2019. He was born November 15, 1953 in Baldwin, delivered by a doctor with his hunting clothes on. That would set the stage for the rest of his life, and the love he had for hunting and the out of doors. John was the son of Stanley and Barbara (Williams) Waite. He was raised as a faithful Christian in the Grand Rapids area and passed that faith on to his children who were also raised in Grand Rapids. John had an admirable work ethic. He was an executive in the financial services industry for 33 years. During this time, John enjoyed serving both private and public sectors with a focus on working with area firefighters and public-school employees. John became a partner in Design Financial Group in the 1980’s in Cascade. In 2009, he retired back to his roots in Bitely where he became an active member of the community. John enjoyed serving the Lilley Township community and being part of the planning commission. He also liked to volunteer at the Bitely Homecoming. In May of 2019, John opened Kapooi’s Korner Garden and Gift Shop. He was proud to promote goods and products from local farmers, artists, and craftsmen. John absolutely cherished all the friendships and relationships he formed through Kapooi’s Korner, and those will last forever. He was an outdoorsman at heart who spent many hours in the woods bow and gun hunting. John “tagged” 96 deer in his hunting career and enjoyed cooking venison for his family. You could find John fishing and cruising in his pontoon boat on Bitely Lake with a totty in his hand. John’s pride and joy were his grandchildren. He loved spending time with them, supporting their many activities, and being a huge part of their life. John’s grandchildren adored him. He was a great father. He will be missed and remembered by all who loved him. John is survived by his daughter, Melissa (Drew) VerHage of Jenison; three grandchildren; Joseph, Madison, and Amelia; a son, Michael Waite of Grand Rapids. Relatives that he considered daughters; Michelle Flora and her children; Jimmie Jr., Brittany, and Isiah; Susan (John) Kolenbrander and their children; Caleb, Ryan, and David (which were like sons), Victoria and Chelsea; Amy (Kurt) Lamer and their daughter, Sarah; nephew, Ric (Jill) Wierenga and their children, Austin and Sam; brother Kurt Waite; sister, Betty Campbell and the mother of his children, Susan Waite. He also leaves behind many special aunts, uncles, cousins, and special friends. John was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, Ethro and Goldie Shineldecker, and father-in-law, John “Pat” Koster. A memorial service will take place 12:00 p.m. (noon) Saturday, October 5, 2019 at the Bitely Community Church with Pastor Greg Brower officiating. The family will greet friends from 10:30 a.m. until the time of services at noon on Saturday at the Church. Share a memory or leave a condolence for the family by clicking the guestbook tab at www.daggettgilbertfuneralhome.com Read More
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of John D Kapooi Waite November 15 1953 September 24 2019.
Daggett Funeral Home, Inc. – Barryton
Death notice for the town of: Barryton, state: Michigan