Barry Lyn McAlpine, age 80, of Holland, Michigan, passed away peacefully on May 8, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.
Born on June 20, 1945, in Cass City, Michigan, to Jack and Dorothy McAlpine, Barry answered his call to serve his country at the age of twenty by enlisting in the United States Army. He served with extraordinary courage during the Vietnam War and was highly decorated for his bravery and heroism, receiving two Silver Stars, one Bronze Star, and three Purple Hearts. His military service reflected a lifelong commitment to duty, sacrifice, and patriotism.
Immediately following his service, Barry pursued his education at Palmer College of Chiropractic, graduating in 1971. He went on to build a long, successful, and respected career as a chiropractor, serving the Holland community with dedication and care for nearly fifty years. His patients knew him not only as a skilled practitioner but as a trusted and compassionate presence in their lives.
Barry was a devoted husband to his wife of 47 years, Kim McAlpine, and a loving father to his six children: Matt McAlpine (Julie Rowan), Brad (Abby) McAlpine, Hillery McAlpine, Elizabeth (Andrew) Lesperance, Ann McAlpine (Phillip Maletta), and Sarah (Ashton) Pienaar. He was a proud and deeply involved grandfather to eleven grandchildren: Callum, Carson, Annalise, Genevieve, Lake, Palmer, Micah, Lucas, Emery, Phillip, and Maximus. His family was a central focus of his life, and he consistently invested his time and energy in their well-being and success.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Dorothy McAlpine, and sister Gloria McAlpine. He is survived by his siblings Fred (Linda) McAlpine, Ed (Lil) McAlpine, Karen (Joe) Kata, and Jack McAlpine.
Barry’s commitment to service extended far beyond his military and professional life. He served as a Trustee of the Board at Palmer College of Chiropractic for over fifteen years, was Chairman of the Ottawa County Red Cross, an active member of the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association, and a dedicated member of Rotary. Through these roles, he made a lasting impact on both his profession and his community.
Outside of his work and service, Barry enjoyed cheering on University of Michigan sports, traveling, making wine, and spending time with his family, often with a sense of humor and a “strong guiding presence.”
A visitation will be held on Friday, May 15, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at Dykstra Funeral Home – Mulder Chapel, 188 W 32nd St. in Holland. A funeral service will take place on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Christ Memorial Church in Holland. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in his honor to the McAlpine Scholarship Endowment Fund at Palmer College of Chiropractic.
Barry will be remembered for his generosity, integrity, patriotism, and unwavering devotion to his family and community. His legacy of leadership and service will live on in all who knew him.
For a little bit more about Barry and a song that was recently written about his life please click on the link below: https://helpvov.com/2026/05/09/where-angels-fear-to-tread/
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