Robert Gene Ryder

On October 1, 2020 Robert “Bob” Gene Ryder passed away at the age of 72 after battling pancreatic cancer. 

He was born in Grand Rapids on October 30, 1947 to Eugene and Ruth Schaap.  Bob was blessed to have been raised by his adopted father, Edward Ryder and his mother after his father passed away when he was a young boy.  He graduated from Creston High School in 1965.  After high school Bob enlisted in the Air Force and was deployed to Vietnam.  He was stationed in DaNang in 1969 where he served for one year. 

In 1974 Bob met and married his wife of 45 years, Yvonne.  He then attended and graduated Ferris State University with a degree in accounting.  After graduating, Bob worked for Sterk and Edwards where he received an offer to be the comptroller for Great Lakes Business Forms.  In 1991 Bob and Yvonne started Advanced Business Forms where he worked until he retired.  After retirement Bob and his son created Merck Properties where he worked part time until his death. 

Bob loved traveling with his wife around the country in their motorhome; his favorite places to explore were historical sites and National Parks.  He loved his children and grandchildren more than anything and they will lovingly remember him for all the time they spent with him traveling, playing and teasing him. 

He is survived by his beloved wife, Yvonne (Hamilton) Ryder of 46 years, his daughter Heather (Randy) Sheahan and Eric Ryder, his grandchildren: Alexis and Lauren Sheahan, Austyn and Briggs Ryder, and his mother-in-law Mary Hamilton.  Bob & Yvonne hosted an exchange student, Inken Kendziorra, who became like a daughter to them.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene Schaap, Ruth and Edward Ryder, his sister Janet Falk and father-in-law John Hamilton. 

A celebration of Life will be held on October 25^th from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at Boulder Creek Golf Club.

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