Arthur Kooyman

Arthur Kooyman, 90, of Mentor, passed away May 9, 2012, at his residence. He was born April 28, 1922, in Holland. Mr. Kooyman was the owner and operator of Art Kooyman and Son Plumbing. Arthur served in the U.S. Army during World War II and was the Past Commander of the Palmer-Roberts American Legion Post 214 in Willoughby and a member of the V.F.W. He was very instrumental in getting Post 214 in Willoughby off the ground. He held many offices in his 45 years, among them, commander four times. He was chief cook and bottle washer at American Legion Post 214 to earn money for all veterans. His greatest passion was tending to his flower gardens. He made many good meals and enjoyed all his many friends. Art was also baseball commissioner for the American Legion baseball and cut the baseball fields and was a wonderful coach. Art was in the USA Air Force during World War II in CBI. His brothers Peter, William and Frank were also in the service. Arthur had a long marriage with Mary Jane, until she passed. Arthur later married Beverly and lived with her and their many animals until his recent passing. His stepchildren at this time, who all loved his good nature and laughter are Linda, Cindy, Melanie, John, Gerald, Kevin, and Scott. Plus he also leaves two broken-hearted cats, Grey-Jobie and Multifire. Survivors are his wife, Beverly of Mentor; sons, Michael (Judy) of Charlotte, N.C., Kenneth (Nancy) of Boston, Mass., and Lawrence of Novelty; daughters, Janet Stark of Charlotte, N.C., Nancy (Bob) Sadler of Chardon and Ileen Kooyman of Painesville; brother, Hubert (Ruth) Kooyman of Athens, Ga.; sister, Ann Vacik; 12 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Mary Jane (nee Carver); brothers, William, Jack, and Pete; and sister, Gertrude. Memorial services will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 16, 2012, at Western Reserve Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Chester Township.