Bruce Hyde of Byron Center died Thursday, Dec. 29. He was 82.
Born April 14, 1940, in Zeeland, he was the third of six children born to Keith and Irene (Barrett) Hyde. He was raised in Burnips in the big house next to the Hudsonville Creamery.
Bruce married his favorite dance partner, Mary Jane (Harig) Hyde, on Oct. 8, 1960, and they lovingly raised six children Terry (Kim) Hyde of Dorr, Diane (Dennis) Force of Gun Lake, Brian (Nancy) Hyde of Wayland, Beth (Travis) Veldhouse of Byron Center, Melissa (Sieghard) Janz of Dorr, and Amy Hyde of Wyoming.
He graduated from Hudsonville High School, Class of 1958, and worked for his dad from a young age, then began a 36-year career with Spartan Stores: six years in the warehouse and 30 as a driver.
Bruce was dedicated to his family and took great pride in watching his children grow, attending many sports events and music concerts, celebrating with much joy and laughter the noise of the family dinners and parties. He was a storyteller; sharing the stories of our family history made everyone smile.
When his wife began the struggle with Alzheimer’s, he became her faithful caregiver. They spent time happily making the rounds of local care homes to visit with family, friends, and fellow parishioners of St. Mary’s Visitation Parish, of which they were both lifelong members.
He eventually had time to indulge his passion for reading and history, loving to discuss the best reads. After Mary passed away, he spent many hours finding comfort and peace in the prayers of the Holy Rosary, reading scripture, and attending daily Mass. His weekends were devoted to bringing Amy home for Mass and visiting with friends and family.
Bruce was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years; his parents; sister, Marlene Hooker; brother, Robert Hyde; and brother-in-law, Leroy Genther.
Surviving are his siblings Kay Genther, Doris (Charles) Mehlberg, Gerry Hyde, Janice (John) Inghram; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and neighbors. His grandchildren are Timothy (Angela), Emily (Matt), Brittany (Gilbert), Trevor, Breanna, Thomas, Justin, Elizabeth (Carl), Christian, Bryce, Keith, Chloe, Sarah and Mia; and his great-grands Payton, Carter, Sybil, Lucas, Alejandra, Mason, Oliver, Lincoln, and MaryJane.
Cremation has taken place. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 1at 1 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 14, at St. Mary’s Visitation Catholic Church, 2459 146th Ave. SW New Salem, with Rev. Christopher J. Derda presiding. A time of visiting with family will begin at 9:30 a.m. in the church, with the Rosary prayed at 10:45 a.m. prior to the start of the Mass. Committal will follow at Visitation Cemetery, North Dorr, MI.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary’s Visitation “Restore Our Heritage” Capital Campaign.
