Milo Collins Van Dyk

Milo Collins Van Dyk, age 24, passed away unexpectedly on August 2, 2023. He was born June 17, 1999 at 5:14am in Plainwell, Michigan to Timothy Van Dyk and Donna Collins. At a whopping 9.5 lbs. 21” and 15” (off the chart!) head circumference, he made an immediate big splash in the world.

He was warmly welcomed into the family— he followed and emulated Jonah, helped his mom with her artwork and helped his dad with chores. He loved to backcountry camp (Glacier National Park) and spend time in nature. He made enough money several years making and selling duct tape wallets to buy himself a snowboard and season pass. He taught himself how to make them watching YouTube which he then sold them during his mother’s art fairs ($10 pre-made or $15 custom made).

From an early age Milo was a daredevil and outdoor enthusiast. He learned to walk and was potty trained while camping. If there was something to climb he would climb it. He loved swimming/tubing/wakeboarding/fishing at his grandparents house on West Lake and helping his dad working on the back yard fish pond. Family camping trips were planned around where the coolest cliff-jumping locations were found. He volunteered at the Kalamazoo Nature Center caring for the animal exhibits for three years.

When he first learned to snowboard at age 10 is when he found his true passion. He spent countless days at Timber Ridge and Bittersweet with Jonah, dad and many friends; he lived for the annual trips to Colorado, Utah and Wyoming with his dad and brother. His favorite trip memory was when his mom learned to ski just so she could come along on the Train Trip to Winter Park, Colorado. Milo was an excellent rock climber and quickly mastered the hardest routes at Climb Kalamazoo.

Milo was loved by many and would always stick up for the underdog. His depth of compassion and kindness had no bounds. To have Milo as your friend meant he had your back and you could trust him with anything. He loved to work on cars, off road in his 4 runner/quad/dirt bike, disc golf and loved his pets. He attended Parkwood-Upjohn Elementary, Maple Street Middle, and graduated from Kalamazoo Public Schools in 2017.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandpa Marvin Van Dyk, and maternal grandparents James and Nancy Collins.

Milo is survived by his father Tim Van Dyk of Kalamazoo and mother Donna Collins of Kalamazoo, and step-mother Renea Van Dyk, brother Jonah Van Dyk of Kalamazoo, and step-brother Michael Bernick of Kalamazoo; uncles David and John Van Dyk of Kalamazoo; aunt Bonnie Collins and cousin Dinah Bluschke; uncle Mike Collins and cousins Katelynn, Ryan, and Meghan Collins; grandmother Jelene Van Dyk of Portage.

The family will receive friends Friday, August 11, 2023 from 4-7:00pm and Saturday, August 12 from 5-8:00pm at Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial and Cremation Services, 622 S Burdick St, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49007.

Contributions in Milo’s memory may be made to the Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy, 8395 E Main St, Galesburg, MI 49053 to honor his wish to preserve outdoor space in our community.

To share a memory or leave a condolence for the family visit https://www.langelands.com .