Philip Mead Idema

Lovingly survived by his wife of 59 years, Rosemary "Murry" Rood Idema; 2 sons, Peter (Kelly) & Mark (Jennifer) Idema; 3 grandchildren, Chase, Micah, and Alexa Idema; his brother, John (Sandie) Idema, and several nieces and nephews.  He is predeceased by his parents Chester "Chet" and Elizabeth "Dal" Idema, and his brother, Steve (Peggy) Idema. Phil died one week before his 83rd birthday after a brief battle with cancer.  He will be remembered as a kind, caring, patient, devoted, wonderful man.

Phil grew up in EGR along with his wife, who happened to be the sister of his good friend and classmate, Chuck Rood. He graduated from the University of Michigan before joining the US Navy.  He served active duty aboard a destroyer stationed in San Diego where he was coincidentally joined on the same ship by another high school classmate, John Logie.  He married in 1963 and remained in San Diego to obtain a law degree.  Upon graduation from law school he returned to Grand Rapids and began practicing law with the firm of Vanderveen, Freihofer & Cook.  Subsequently,  he and George Pawlowski left and went into private practice together. In 1983, long-time friend, Dave Keyser, joined the firm which later became the firm of Idema & Keyser.  Their wives, Murry & Vicki, who are also good friends, he dubbed the "sisters-in-law".  Phil eventually became Of Counsel with the law firm of Mika Meyers, completing over 50 years in the practice of law.

Phil was a trustee of the Grand Rapids Bar Association and the Vanderwal Foundation as well as having served on several boards, including the West Michigan Environmental Action Council and the Knapp Valley Condominium Association.  He also served as a volunteer at Frederick Meijer Gardens. 

Phil carried on his family's passion for fly fishing, instilling his love for it in the next generation as well.  He and his 2 brothers with their families owned a fishing cabin on the Little Manistee River where many fond memories were made.  

Other interests included photography, reading, and spending time with his family and many dear friends.  Phil was devoted to Mayflower Congregational Church where he was a charter member, was married, sang in the choir, and served on many committees over the years.

The family will receive friends at Metcalf & Jonkhoff Funeral Home from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, October 7.  A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Mayflower Congregational Church at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 8.  Charitable contributions may be made to Mayflower Congregational Church, Faith Hospice at Trillium Woods, or a charitable organization of your choice.

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