Kirt Vandevusse, 57, of Rothbury, Michigan, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, September 3, 2026. He was born on October 25, 1968, in Holland, Michigan, to Winnona (Vincent) Simmonson and Sidney J. Vandevusse.

Kirt graduated from West Ottawa High School with the Class of 1987. He was a small engine mechanic by trade, but anyone who knew Kirt knew that “mechanic” hardly covered all that he could do. He was a true jack-of-all-trades and a do-it-yourself kind of guy. There wasn't much he wouldn't try, and if something needed fixing, building, figuring out, or simply getting done, Kirt was usually the one people called.

But Kirt was so much more than the things he could fix or the things he could build. He was a man with an enormous heart who would do just about anything for anyone. He gave freely of his time, his talents, and himself. He had a way of helping people without expecting anything in return, and his kindness left an impression on so many lives. And then there was his laugh—big, genuine, and completely infectious. It was the kind of laugh that could fill a room and make everyone around him smile. It was unmistakably Kirt, and it is a sound that those who loved him will carry in their hearts forever.

Kirt loved the outdoors. Hunting, fishing, being at his property up north, and simply being surrounded by nature were some of his greatest joys. He loved the peace and freedom that came with being outside. Eventually, Kirt fulfilled a lifelong dream when he settled in Rothbury with his significant other and the love of his life, Jennifer Daigle, and made his home in the woods. For Kirt, it was more than a place to live—it was the life he had always dreamed of.

Kirt also had a special place in his heart for his beloved dogs, Ruger and Fluffers. They were more than pets—they were his companions and a cherished part of his life. His love for them was just another reflection of the big heart he carried and the love he had to give.

Kirt was also an avid motorcycle enthusiast. Throughout his life, he belonged to many motorcycle clubs and made countless friendships along the way. The motorcycles, the rides, the stories, and the people he met became an important part of the journey that made him who he was.

Of all the things Kirt loved, though, nothing compared to his family.

Kirt shared his life with Jennifer Daigle, his significant other and the love of his life. Together, they built a life in Rothbury and shared in Kirt's lifelong dream of living in the woods.

He was also a devoted father to his only daughter, Macie Marie Vandevusse. Macie held a very special place in his heart and was not only his daughter, but one of his very best friends. Their bond was one of the greatest treasures of his life, and the love they shared was something truly special.

And then came Hope.

Kirt absolutely cherished his granddaughter, Hope Vandevusse. To Hope, he was simply “Papa Kirt,” and that name said everything. He loved making memories with her, especially their adventures at Lewis Farms and the circus. Those moments may have seemed simple, but they were the kind of moments Kirt treasured most—the laughter, the time together, and being Papa.

Kirt is survived by his significant other, Jennifer Daigle; his daughter, Macie Marie Vandevusse; his granddaughter, Hope Vandevusse; his stepdaughters, Samantha (Donny) Gardner and Sydney Daigle (Kyle Payne); and his siblings, Sidney (Donna) Vandevusse II, Michelle (Art) Armfield, Todd Vandevusse, Kevin (Amber) Vandevusse, and Shannon Vandevusse. He also leaves behind many extended family members, friends, and lifelong motorcycle brothers and sisters who will carry his memory with them.

There are some people who leave this world quietly, and then there are people like Kirt—people whose presence becomes woven into the lives of everyone who knew them. His passing has left a hole that can never truly be filled. There will be empty chairs, quiet moments, and countless times when someone reaches for the phone to call him, remembers something he said, or wishes they could hear his voice one more time.

But Kirt's story doesn't end here.

It lives on in Macie. It lives on in Hope and all the memories of her Papa Kirt. It lives on in Jennifer and the life they built together. It lives on in his family, his friends, his motorcycle family, and in every person he helped along the way. It lives on in the memories of Ruger and Fluffers, who will forever have a piece of Kirt's heart.

His hands may no longer be here to fix things, his laughter may no longer fill the room, and his boots may no longer walk those woods—but the love he gave and the memories he created will remain.

While Kirt's passing was unexpected, he lived a life full of adventure, love, friendship, family, and a whole lot of doing things his own way. He loved hard, helped freely, worked with his hands, chased his dreams, and found his way home to the woods.

He will be loved, missed, and remembered for generations to come.

Until we meet again, Mountain Man.

Rest easy, Kirt. You finally made it home.

Kirt's cremation has taken place, and a celebration of his life will be announced at a later date.

Harris Funeral Home, in Shelby, is in charge of arrangement.

www.harrisfhome.com