Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Kenneth VanLare Obituary
Born in Rochester, N.Y., Ken moved to Yarmouth in 1945, after honorably serving in World War II in the Army Corps of Engineers, serving in Anzio and Monte Cassino, Italy. For 50 years, Ken worked as a master carpenter and built many Cape Cod homes.
As a young father, he was active in the Boy Scouts and Indian Guides. For 20 years, he was an active member of the Surftones Barbershop Chorus. His great joys in life were spending time with his grandchildren, lending a helping hand wherever needed, and entertaining people with his anecdotal songs.
He was the loving father of David VanLare and his companion, Dee Miller, of East Falmouth, Victoria VanLare of South Yarmouth, Barbara Bent-King and her husband, William King, of South Yarmouth, Karin VanLare of East Falmouth, Peter VanLare and his companion, Diane Bland, of South Yarmouth, and Christopher VanLare and his wife, Lee LaCroix, of Dennis. He also leaves seven grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be held at the South Yarmouth United Methodist Church, Old Main Street, South Yarmouth, on Wednesday, June 11, at 10:30 a.m. Burial will follow at Chandler Gray Cemetery, West Yarmouth.
In memory of Ken, practice a random act of kindness.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sandy (Cash) Deratany
June 13, 2008
I lived just down the street from the VanLare family. So sorry to hear this news. My sympathy goes out to the whole family.
Janice (Cash) Lawson
June 11, 2008
To the whole Vanlare family, I am so sorry to hear of Mr.VanLare's passing. He was a great and friendly neighbor and I liked his nice smile and wave whenever he passed our house. He was a keeper!
Marilyn Browne
June 11, 2008
I really loved your dad. It was a pleasure to grow up accross the street from him and your family. I am so sorry for your loss but I also know he is happy and well right now and probably swapping war stories with my dad. Take care. Love Marilyn (Reed) Browne
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Priscilla (Reed) Raftery
June 11, 2008
Dear Mr. VanLare,
I remember the day I met you. It was August of 1961 and I was 8 years old. My family had just moved to Cape Cod, into the house across the street from you.
You came over to meet and greet my sister and I. You asked if we liked blueberry pancakes; we replied, "Sure!" So you invited us to your house for a blueberry pancake dinner that evening. Yum!
I have so many memory's of you that I am grateful for. First, your amazing voice; deep & booming, but oh so merry! I am certainly not alone in remembering the joy of your singing.
I loved that, if asked, you would play your ukulele, even if you just walked in the door from a long day at work (and I am grateful, also, you don't mind that I have no idea how to spell ukulele!).
I remember there was a side road that you would drive down and go just a wee bit too fast over the hills, so that our bellie's would feel the "butterflies". I remember that you took me to see the prisoners milk the cows at the Barnstable County farm. I remember that I went to work with you one day ... I have no idea why, but I enjoyed watching you pull the nails, one at a time, and hammer them into the wood ... no neumatic tools for you, just your hands, strong and calloused.
I remember that whenever I walked in front of someone I was told to say, "excuse me", and you would always reply, "you're excused" with a smile and a wink.
The last time I saw you, I said, "I love you Mr. VanLare" and you said, "I love you, too" ...and you winked at me. Thank you so much for that.
I will miss the carpenter man ~
With so much love, Priscilla
Susan Setterlund
June 9, 2008
Barbara & Family:
My deepest sympathy in the loss of
your father
Susan Setterlund
Michele Graham
June 8, 2008
To Karin and Family,
My deepest sympathy to you in the loss of you father. It has been a difficult and courageous battle for him and for your whole family. May your sorrow be less knowing that it is shared by all of your friends. God Bless You
J S
June 8, 2008
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2008
Bill Chase
June 8, 2008
Dave, Barb, Vici,
Soriry for you loss. Had many enjoyable conversations with your Dad and he always provided laughter, wisdom and friendship.
Bill Chase
bob & Judie allen
June 8, 2008
Our condolences to the VanLare family, I remember Ken fondly--and Bob who took fencing lessons with him. Our love
Showing 1 - 10 of 10 results
Make a Donation
in Kenneth VanLare's name
How to support Kenneth's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Kenneth VanLare's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
