Calvin Remembers Jay Garvelink

August 28, 2006 == MEDIA ADVISORY

Jay Garvelink, a longtime Calvin employee, passed away this weekend at the age
of 84.

Known affectionately to many as "the Sarge," Garvelink worked at Calvin from
1970 until 2001, finally retiring fully at the age of 79 after breaking a hip.

Calvin chaplain Dale Cooper remembers Garvelink as a man who found a home at
Calvin College.

"He used to stop in and see two or three times a week," recalls Cooper. "He
was one of my great, great teachers. He would regale me with stories, but so
often he came back to how this place had become home for him. It had a major
impact on him and he on it. What a great guy."

Garvelink was a graduate of Creston High School who studied to be an
electrician before entering the United States Army. He served as a medic during
World War II in England and France and was honorably discharged in 1946.

He then became a mason (stone and brick worker) and worked on many projects in
western Michigan. According to the August 27, 2006 obituary in the Grand
Rapids Press Garvelink was most proud of the many churches built after World
War II. Constructing churches was only one of the many ways in which he brought
glory to God.

The Press obit also notes that "Jay's philosophy was that our earthly trip was
all about 'glorifying God' every day and in all we do. Jay felt no matter what
your vocation was, as long as you were following God's will, every day was a
blessing and was meant to bring you a step closer to God's presence."

At Calvin one of Garvelink's most meaningful positions was working with the
Kent Occupational High School program, involving students with learning
disabilities.

Garvelink was a charter member of Sunshine CRC who, while raising his six
children, often worked three jobs so that his children could attend Christian
schools.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Thelma Garvelink, and numerous
children and grandchildren.

Visitation will be held 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Monday, August 28 and between 10
a.m. and 11 a.m. on Tuesday, August 29 prior to an 11 a.m. service at Zaagman
Memorial Chapel.

-end-
Received on Mon Aug 28 11:44:14 2006