Robert Jay Ter Haar

R. Jay Ter Haar, age 72, of Holland, passed away on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at his home. Jay will be remembered for his deep faith in the saving blood of Jesus Christ and for his love of people. Every day would find Jay searching the scripture and listening to teachings to draw closer to his friend Jesus. There was nothing more important in his life. Jay loved people. He had so many special people in his life. He loved his wife, Merri Anne, selflessly for 37 years. Theirs was a marriage so close that a single night away from each other was a rare and tearful event. And Jay loved his family. He grieved deeply the loss of his parents and sister, Cathy, and his mother-in-law and father-in-law in recent years. Jay loved his children, Jill and Joe, and his twelve amazing grandchildren, and five great grandchildren. His family extended beyond blood relations, including several others so dear that they called him dad. Jay loved his friends. He connected regularly with friends from his youth that were now scattered across the country. And he thrived on his relationship with his Saturday morning coffee/Bible study group. And Jay loved his little dog, Zeeda. He had many dogs in his life but none compared to Zeeda. As she approached her 19th birthday, he considered the inevitable and could not imagine the day he would lose her. Jay just loved people. As he got older that love turned into a mission to try to fill heaven. He talked to grocery checkout workers and nursing home aids. He spoke for hours to special friends on the phone and texted endlessly with friends, neighbors, and acquaintances. Everyone was Jay's friend. He was a man who drew people to him with his deep radio voice and his irresistible sense of humor. He just knew how to make people feel valued and important. Jay will be missed more than he could have ever imagined. He was humble and never took credit for how God used his life. Jay retired from Johnson Controls, Inc. in 2004 after 18 years of employment. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Bernice Ter Haar; and his sister, Cathy Brigham; and in-laws, Ken and Marcia Mokma. Jay is survived by his wife of 37 years, Merri Anne Ter Haar; his children: Candace Jill (Ted) Reeves of Hamilton, and Joseph Ter Haar of West Olive; Grandchildren: Madison, Paige, Carson, Luke, Zuri, Eli, Levi, Jeremiah, Josie, Lainey, Nolan, and Gavyn; Great Grandchildren: Lennon, Bowie, Jasper, Alby, and Wilder; Siblings: Cheryl Ter Haar of Holland and Chuck (Noie) Ter Haar of Florida; In-laws: Sally (Bob) Boeve of Traverse City, Caralyn (Gary) Van Spronsen of Jamestown, and Lisa (Lee) Beld of Lynden, WA "... Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better." (Philippians 1:20, 21, 23) A celebration of life will be announced at a later date. Condolences may be left online at www.langelandsterenberg.com

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Robert Jay Ter Haar

January 24, 1952 - May 21, 2024