Harvey J. Buter ’48

Harvey J. Buter ’48, 92, of Holland, Michigan, died on Monday, June 20, 2016, at American House in Holland.

He was born to Thomas and Jennie Buter in Holland in 1923 and was a lifelong Holland resident.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Jeane VerBurg ’48 Buter in 2003.  Harvey graduated from Hope College in 1948 after serving his country in Central Europe and Rhine River from 1943-1946 as a member of the U.S. Army. He was senior vice president at Holland Motor Express for 34 years, a vice president at Old Kent Bank for 10 years, and the treasurer of Third Reformed Church for over 50 years.  He served as president of the board of directors of HEDCOR, The Holland Area Chamber of Commerce, The Holland/Zeeland Community Foundation, the Holland Board of Education, and the Holland Rotary Club. He also served on the boards of The Holland Community Hospital, the Holland Area CROP Walk and Evergreen Commons.  He was a previous winner of the Hope distinguished alumni award. Harv was an H-Club member and was one of the few remaining “blitz kids” basketball team at Hope that won the MIAA basketball championship in 1948.

He is survived by his children, H. James ’71 and Stephanie Buter of Holland, Jane Buter ’80 and Kevin Clark ’78 of Holland. He is also survived by his 3 grandsons and 3 great-grandchildren, Chris ’04 (Sarah) Clark (Jansen, Harvey, Reagan and Ellis), Aaron ’08 (Hannah) Clark, Matt ’10 and Rachel Clark; sister-in-law, Jane Buter of Grand Rapids; several nieces, nephews and cousins.