Barry Michael Hages

Barry Michael Hages of Ada, Michigan died peacefully on September 29, 2015 after a courageous three year battle with ALS.

Barry was born to Regina Hages and the late Mitchell G. Hages on March 1, 1954, in Bay City, Michigan. He graduated from Bay CityCentral High School and attended Eastern Michigan University, graduating with a degree in Business Marketing and Economics.  While at Eastern, Barry was a member of the varsity track and field team where he competed in high hurdles and was a recipient of the Mid-American Conference Scholar-Athlete award.  In addition, he was a residence hall advisor, a member of the Alpha Kappa Psi professional business fraternity, and fondly remembers Ken Bruschanski, a fellow fraternity brother, co-member of the residence hall staff, and good friend who was always there to counsel and inspire. Most notably, while in attendance at Eastern, Barry met Kathy, the love of his life, whom he married on July 16, 1977.

Barry went on to receive a Master of Business Administration Degree from Colorado State University, where he also served as a Graduate Assistant. Barry and Kathy then moved to Grand Rapids in 1979 where they raised their two children, Michael and Melissa.  At that time Barry began working for Herman Miller, which he continued for 35 years, most recently as Director of Sales Services.  Prior to Herman Miller, Barry spent several years working for Xerox Corporation. He was very proud of the fact that the two companies he worked for were both innovative leaders within their respective industries and were well recognized for being socially responsible.  

Barry loved participating in sports in any capacity.   When his kids were young, he enjoyed coaching their numerous sports teams.  For 15 years, he played in a men’s basketball league with ‘the guys’ from East Grand Rapids.  He appreciated how people would pass him the ball and tell him to shoot even if he was having an off night.  He was a loyal Michigan fan, making the pilgrimage for many football, basketball and hockey games over the years with Kathy and the kids.

Barry was a devoted husband, father and grandfather and especially loved taking his family on ski trips to Colorado. Barry also enjoyed working on landscaping and construction projects, big or small, around the home.  He never enjoyed just sitting around – he always needed a project.

Later in life, Barry enjoyed cycling with Kathy, logging hundreds of miles a year on various bike trails.  He was determined to continue and fight through the early symptoms of his illness, as he and Kathy cycled over 500 miles in the first six months after his diagnosis.

Barry and his family offer their appreciation to friends and neighbors for helping with landscaping chores and general home maintenance, as well as providing food, comfort and support during Barry’s illness. The family would also like to thank Dr. Jeffery Woo for his special care and compassion, as well as the dedicated staff of Spectrum Health Hospice.

Barry is survived by his wife Katherine, children Michael (Elizabeth) Hages of Grand Rapids and Melissa (Jeffrey) Gehl of Milwaukee, WI.  grandchildren, Colette Hages and John Hages, as well as his mother, Regina Hages, sister Diane (Don) Zielinski and brother Gordon (April) Hages. 

The Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday October 2nd, 11 A.M. at St. Robert of Newminster Parish (6477 Ada Dr. SE, Ada, MI. 49301) with visitation at the church one hour prior to service time.

Visiting hours with the Family will be held at the Metcalf & Jonkhoff Funeral Home on Thursday, October 1, from 2-4 P.M. and from 6-8 P.M., a short scripture service being held at 2 P.M. 

For those desiring, memorial contributions can be made to the ALS Association of West Michigan, 678 Front St. Suite 159, Grand Rapids, Mi. 49504, or the March of Dimes Foundation, 3351 Claystone St. SE Suite G20 Grand Rapids, Mi. 49546.

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