Lamont Dirkse ’50

On January 30, 2019, Lamont Dirkse passed away at the age of 92.

Lamont was born in Hingham, Wisconsin, graduated from Oostburg High School and then enlisted in the U.S. Navy serving as a Hospital Corpsman. Lamont graduated from Hope College in 1950, obtained a Master’s degree from Northwestern University and a Doctorate from Michigan State University.

After serving as a school administrator in Grand Haven, Lamont returned to Hope in 1964 taking a faculty position in the Education Department. Lamont had a passion for students – he enjoyed being a part of their personal journeys whether through teaching, helping find a first job, or cheering them on in extracurricular activities. He built relationships with students that lasted long past their years at Hope.

Lamont lived a life of service helping to establish Habitat for Humanity in Holland and serving on the boards of Evergreen Commons and Resthaven. He served in various leadership positions at Christ Memorial Church over his 40 years of membership there.

Lamont is survived by his wife of 58 years, Ruth (DeGraaf ), son David (Anne, deceased) and daughters Susan Carlson (Bob) and Nancy DeWitt (Scott), 8 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.