Robert “Doug” Budzynski, age 79 of Grand Rapids, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 30, 2014. Preceding him in death are his parents, Anysia and Max Budzynski and brother, Tom. Beloved husband, cherished father, Doug is survived by his wife of 57 years, Sue and his children, Jenny Markel, Juliet (Jeff) Tompkins, Tim Budzynski, Wendy Budzynski, Melissa Budzynski (David Bulkowski), Max (Tammy Jo) Budzynski, and Paul Budzynski. He is also survived by his brother, Jim; and sister-in-law Lill, Scott and Lori (Colin). He has 17 grandchildren, Matt, Chris, Adam, Katelyn, Ty, Conrad, Craig, Sophie, Noah, Liam, Addison, Renee, Lenna, Aaron, Shelby, Melissa, Tammy; and 11 great-grandchildren, Christian, Owen, Avery, Alanna, Elsie, Logan, Makayla, Maddie, Ashton, Donald, and Taylor. Doug graduated in 1953 from Catholic Central High School and attended Aquinas College and the University of Detroit. He was a cursillista who treasured his reunion group and an active member of St. Thomas the Apostle Parish for over 40 years. He owned Douglas Graphics, Inc. from 1974-2000 and helped establish the printmaking tent at Festival. He was affectionately known as “Mr. Doug” by many inner city youth in the 60’s and 70’s. Those relationships brought him great joy. Doug had a deep appreciation for the natural universe and passed that on to his family. Artistically gifted, generous and loving to family and friends, possessed of a dry sense of humor and a dedication to the needs of others. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday 10:30 a.m. at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 1449 Wilcox Park Dr. S.E., Grand Rapids. Rev. James Chelich presiding. Visitation Tuesday 2-4:00 p.m. and 6-8:00 p.m. with a vigil service at 6:00 p.m. at O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Chapel, 3980 Cascade Rd. S.E., Grand Rapids. His family is deeply grateful for the loving care Doug received at Side by Side, The Lodge at Maple Creek and from Hospice of Michigan. Please consider a gift to Hope Network’s Side by Side Program, P.O. Box 890 Grand Rapids, MI 49518-0890 or Hospice of Michigan, 989 Spaulding Ave. SE, Ada, MI 49301.
