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‘He was such a selfless person’ — Community mourns firefighter Kevin Sikkema

Posted at 4:33 PM, Mar 11, 2016
and last updated 2016-03-11 18:40:34-05

GEORGETOWN TOWNSHIP, Mich. -- Family and friends are remembering a West Michigan man after he died Thursday night following his battle with cancer.

Kevin Sikkema, 35, is being remembered as a selfless firefighter, father and husband who was known to be able to fix anything and help anyone.

"He was such a selfless person, and was loved so deeply by so many people," his father-in-law Doug Barnhard said.

He has been battling brain cancer since the spring of 2014, and the community where he lived continues to honor and thank him.

"Everything he did in life was always so joyful and vigorous," Barnhard said. "Even in his fight, he never stopped smiling, he never stopped joking.  That was Kevin. That was Kevin all the way through."

Sikkema served 13 years with the Georgetown Township Fire Department.   Fire Chief Dan Hamming said he was an "exceptional firefighter."

"He was always happy-go-lucky.  I mean, he would come walking into a room and he would light up the room with his smile," Hamming said.

Sikkema and his wife Amy have three young children.

"He's gone from us now, but some day in the future we'll hold his hand again, and know that he's dancing with the angels now," his father-in-law said.

Barnhard says Sikkema's family is grateful fro the continued support and messages they've recieved on their Facebook page, "Sikkema Strong."