Monday, April 29, 2013

Obituary

Vander Deen, Richard John -   On Monday, April 29, 2013, our heavenly Father, in His infinite wisdom and love, called to Himself Richard John Vander Deen in his 52nd year.  Throughout his battle with leukemia, Richard rested day by day in God’s promises and grace.  Beloved husband of Barbara for 31 years.  Loving father of Michael & Rachel Vander Deen (Peter, Aaron, Nathaniel), Karen Vander Deen, Sarah & Jeremy Mulder (Robert, Matthew, Lucas, Timothy), Andrea Vander Deen (Derek), and David & Bethany Vander Deen.  Cherished son of Ipe & Grace (2011) Vander Deen, and son-in-law of Clarence & Jane Dekker.  Dear brother of Patricia & Rudy Heidelberg, Ivan & Diana Vander Deen, Irene & Charlie Dykxhoorn, Clarence & Irene Vander Deen, Sharon & Steve Talsma, and John & Teresa Vander Deen.  Dear brother-in-law to Jack & Jane Dekker, Amy & George Hart, Gordon Dekker, Ben & Sandy Dekker, and predeceased by sisters-in-law Glenda Vriesema and Jenny Dekker.  Richard will be missed by many uncles & aunts, nieces & nephews, colleagues, and friends.  Special thanks to the wonderful oncology nurses and doctors at Victoria Hospital for their excellent and compassionate care.  Visitation will be held at the Providence United Reformed Church at 447 Second Street in Strathroy from 2:00-4:00 pm and 7:00-9:00 pm on Thursday, May 2nd.  The funeral will be held on Friday, May 3 at 11:00 am at Providence United Reformed Church with Rev. Harry Zekveld officiating.  Interment to follow in Strathroy Cemetery, with a luncheon afterwards at the church.  As expressions of sympathy, donations may be made to the Hope Academy in Etobicoke.  Online condolences accepted at www.denningfuneralhomes.com.    A tree will be planted as a living memorial to Richard.

Link to the Obituary

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

Praying for you all.

Charlene said...

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. We will continue to remember you in our prayers. May you know our heavenly Father's comfort and strength in this time. Tim & Charlene

Anonymous said...

Praying for all of you. May God continue to surround you in His arms and give you comfort and peace at this time. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Theo and Diane Schelhaas

gigigal said...

My deepest condolences to each of you. God be with you.

Jason said...

My thoughts are with your family. I went through the stem cell transplant in January and followed your blog to gain courage and faith. It helped me enormously, and I cant thank you enough for sharing your journey with us as hard as it was.
God Bless

JC said...

Nahum 1:7, The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; And He knows those who trust in Him". Barb and family, our hearts go out to all of you in your pain and we feel so sorry for your loss. Richard was a wonderful witness to the Lord, we saw that so much. We pray for strength for you all in the days ahead and extend our deepest condolences.
JC and Judy

TBH said...

The Lord gives and the Lord takes away... blessed be the name of the Lord. May He be near you in the days, weeks, months and years ahead, as you learn to live life without your beloved. You are separated but for a little while, and will one day be reunited in Christ. Seek the Lord and He will comfort you with His word and Spirit. Thank you SO much for keeping us all updated with this blog. Thea H

margriet said...

Words cannot express what my heart feels for you. Just know that we love you and will ask God to enfold you in His arms while you go through the coming days.
Margriet

Anonymous said...

Praying that God will grant you comfort and strength and peace as you mourn.
Will and Christina Dokter, and family.

Anonymous said...

Thinking of you all on this Father's Day. May it comfort you to know that he is with his Father...Wishing you strength as you navigate this year of firsts.