Andrew Buursma of Hart, Michigan, and Jensen Beach, Florida, was born into a black-and-white world in 1940 but he lived with technicolor vibrance throughout his life. He founded the Buursma Agency in Holland in 1964, collected eclectic and exotic cars, and served with enthusiasm and emotional intensity as a parishioner and longtime board president for Nettles Island Church in Florida and New Era Christian Reformed Church in New Era, Michigan.

Andy died of heart failure on Tuesday, July 19, 2022, in his Michigan home at the age of 81. He was the youngest of five children born to Martin and Martha Buursma, Frisian immigrants who settled in Holland, MI, in 1929 to raise their young family. Andy graduated from Holland Christian High School before a brief stint delivering candy to grocery stores and gas stations. He launched his career selling insurance after taking Dale Carnegie classes, which he credited with giving him the confidence to speak in public and to sell effectively.

He was well-known to his friends and clients for his attention to detail, his bottomless storehouse of jokes and anecdotes, and his bleeding-edge taste for bright and splashy apparel.

Andy is survived by: his wife of 61 years, Patricia (Patty) Buursma; his children, Kurt and Molly Buursma (Katherine Elizabeth Merrill, husband Hunter, and great-grandson Calloway), Keri (Buursma), and Mike Hall (Tara Figger, and great-grandson Harrison Figger); a sister-in-law, Barbara Buursma of Holland; and in-laws, Lois Stegink, Larry and Harlean Stegink, John and Eunice Stegink, Eileen and Jim Dolbee; and many nieces and nephews.

Andy was preceded in death by: his siblings and in-laws, Reverend William and Althea Buursma, Flossie and Simon VanderKooy, John Buursma, Kathy and Ken Lambers, Martin Stegink, Grethel Genzink, and Julie and Ed Berkompas.

Funeral services will be conducted at 12:00 PM, Monday, July 25, 2022, at the New Era Christian Reformed Church, 1820 Ray Ave, New Era, MI 49446, with a luncheon to follow. Visitation will be held from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM, Sunday, July 24, 2022, at Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, King-Hart Chapel, 2370 North 72 ^nd Avenue, Hart, MI 49420, and Monday from 11:00 AM until Noon at the church. Private interment will be in Graafschap Cemetery in Holland.

Memorial contributions may be made to Holland Christian Schools, 956 Ottawa Ave, Holland, MI 49423, hollandchristian.org/donate.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, King-Hart Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.

www.beaconfh.com