Howard T. “Tom” Updegraff, age 81 of Holland, passed away Saturday, August 14, 2021, at Holland Hospital. Tom was born in Reed City, MI, and grew up in Baldwin. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Holland, where he served as a deacon. He was also a member of the MSBOA, OK Red Conference Principals Committee, and president of the CMU Band. As a Panther “Super Fan”, Tom worked, served, and followed his beloved West Ottawa Panthers, even after retirement. He started his career as a band instructor before becoming assistant principal, principal, and in 2016 was elected to the WO Athletic Hall of Fame. Tom, along with his wife Pat, could be spotted regularly at West Ottawa sporting and extracurricular events, starting with their children, on to their grandchildren, and continued watching with extended family and friends in the years to follow.
He loved spending time biking, hunting, and golfing with family and friends. Tom was a beloved husband, dad, grandpa, papa, and friend to all. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Tom is survived by his beloved wife Pat of 60 years; 2 sons Jay (Julie) Updegraff and Mike (Sandy) Updegraff; grandchildren, Stephanie (Andrew) Brown, Elisabeth Updegraff, J.T. (Chloe) Updegraff, and Alex Updegraff; great-grandchildren Sage Brown and Avery Updegraff; Brother, Ken (Pat) Updegraff; brother-in-law Dennis (Janet) Lamb; many extended family and friends.
A memorial celebration of Tom’s life will be 2:00 p.m. Thursday, August 19, 2021, at Fellowship Reformed Church, 2165 W. Lakewood Blvd, Holland. Officiating will be the Rev. James Baar and Pastor Paul Van Kempen. Visitation will be from 5-8:00 p.m., Wednesday, August 18 at Fellowship Church. Memorial contributions may be made to the West Ottawa Education Foundation.
The Updegraff family would like to extend a heartfelt thank to the Holland Hospital ICU/TU staff and Dr. Thomas Visser for all the care and support they have given the family.
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