Kenneth Edward Tiews of Grand Rapids, Michigan, age 73, passed away from natural causes in his home on 8/8/2022. He is survived by his brother, Philip H. Tiews of Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Born in Wilmington, Delaware to Bennie and Robert Tiews, he lived for several years as he was growing up in London, England, Northern Ireland, and Tokyo, Japan. He studied at the University of Michigan where we earned both Doctor of Philosophy (1977) and Juris Doctor (1973) degrees. Ken had a lifelong thirst for learning which he expressed through numerous study groups in addition to his extensive reading.
Ken worked for the Wheeler & Upham Law Firm and was an accomplished lawyer with a practice focused on helping people with will, trusts and probate issues as well as dealing with ecclesiastical law. As recently as 2021 he received a Best Lawyers award for Litigation - Trusts and Estates. Periodically he found time to pass on his love of learning by teaching at Aquinas College and Calvin University.
While Ken excelled professionally, he mostly excelled at being a human being. He was a great family member and friend. His wit, humor, conversational skills, and multiple interests made him a joy to all those who knew him. He lived with a unique style which brought graciousness to relationships and environments. He was a brilliant cartoonist and illustrator. Published in several books, he mainly used his skills to delight his family and friends. He was active at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Grand Rapids and was a member of the boards of several non-profit organizations over the years.
Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Robert J. and Bennie C. Tiews, and his brother, Robert J. Tiews, Jr. The memorial service will be held at 11am on Friday, November 4th at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 47 Jefferson Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. There will be a luncheon following for any who are able to stay. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Westminster Presbyterian Church, Grand Rapids Deacons' Fund or Shriners Hospital for Children.
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