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Martin Vandermey Obituary
Martin "Pete" Vandermey, age 60, passed away July 28th, 2010, after a 4+ year battle with pancreatic cancer. He was born Martinus van der Mey on August 22, 1949 in The Hague, Holland. He attended Robert G. Cole High School in San Antonio, graduating in 1967, joined the Navy in 1969, & served during the Viet Nam War aboard the U.S.S. Flying Fish. After leaving the Navy, Pete joined the Air Force Reserves and completed nearly 22 years of military service. He graduated from Park Univ. with a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science and worked for the Federal government as a software engineer at Cryptologic Systems Group on Security Hill at Lackland AFB until he retired in October 2009. Pete is survived by his wife, Jenna Vandermey; children, Holly Ouellette and Amber Vandermey; son-in-law Amos Ouellette; grandchildren Megan & Mia Ouellette; sisters & brothers Marianne, Lau, and Martin van der Mey, and Monique Jones Thompson; nieces & nephews in The Netherlands & the U.S.A.; extended family, & many friends. Pete had a competitive spirit and loved to run, bike, & swim. He ranked in the top of his age groups from age 35 through early 2010. He won many awards in triathlons, duathlons, cycling events, & races up to marathon distances. He was invited to and competed in many National & World Championships in his sports. Pete crossed the finish line of the most important event of his life with dignity and in peace. He will be remembered for his quick wit, his winning smile, and his genuine love for his family & friends. He encouraged those around him and offered friendly advice to help us reach our goals. His strength and courage touched all that knew him & he will be remembered fondly to many as "Superman". Pete's Memorial Service will be at 9:45 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 5, at Fort Sam Houston Nat'l Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will be held at 6:00 p.m. Aug. 5 at Soler's Tri Sports, 14405 Old Bandera Rd., Helotes, Texas 78023. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Lustgarten Foundation, 1111 Stewart Avenue, Bethpage, NY 11714 (www.lustgarten.org) or, if you wish you may join or donate to "Team Vandermey" for the PurpleStride San Antonio (http://tiny.cc/kbgop). Please sign Pete's guestbook at http://obit.meadowlawnmemorialpark.com/
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Martin Vandermey
Amber Vandermey
July 26, 2024
Every year I come back to re-read all the wonderful things that people have said about my Dad. I am always so humbled by how loved he was by so many, and re-inspired by the things that made him so amazing. Not only was he a strong influence on the person I am today, he also touched and left marks on just about everyone he met. We love you Superman! Cheers!
robert young
July 27, 2020
Went to high school together at Cole and played baseball together. We later remet when I got heavy into running and triathalons. He has always been a fellow competitor but most of all a sincere friend. Miss you buddy.
Robert Buchanan
July 26, 2020
It's hard to believe its been almost 10 years since Pete's passing.
I still think back on our dog walks in San Antonio and lunches at the BBQ Restaurant on West Ave. where we shared our conversations.
RIP, Pete was a true friend.
August 27, 2010
Jenna, on behalf of the McCurry Family and your Fantastic Sams Family you have our deepest sympathy. Please know as the weeks move forward and everyone returns to their routines we are here for you always.
John, Cindi, Justin, Colin
&
All F.S. Employees
Cindi McCurry
August 27, 2010
Pete was my hero. He encouraged me, gave me advice and always had time to answer any questions I had. His spirit, dignity and good cheer were an inspiration to me. I fell in like with Pete the very first time I met him.
We have lost an incredible man and Heaven has gained an angel.
Jenna and all the Vandermey's you have my deepest sympathy.
Cindi McCurry (San Antonio, TX)
August 9, 2010
From myself and on behalf off my mother I want to offer our condolences. We never met but Marian kept my mom (89) informed. Martin spent a few weeks with my mom (his aunt and Maartens Sister) when he was just born. My mom got a hernia and could not take care of him after that.
I read this orbituary and rememberd my mom and Marian talking about the cousin I never knew.
I wish his family the strenght to deal with this loss.
Niek Wolve ([email protected])
Bart Childers
August 5, 2010
Good bye Pete, gonna miss you.
Kerim and Grendalis Jacaman
August 5, 2010
Vandermey Family, my condelences for your loss.
Lau / miranda / Hanna and Teun van der Mey
August 5, 2010
Never had the pleasure to meet Pete and the family, but my sister Marianne kept me informed. Very strange to have a brother and not knowing him. To the family our condolences and biggest sympathy.
Jennifer Fritzsching Rulon
August 4, 2010
I always looked up to Pete. The speed and the talent that he had was out of this world. I always remember him flying pass me on those runs at Boerne Lake with Team Alamo and he was on his 2nd lap! You will be missed! My thoughts and prayers are with your family!
Joe Torres
August 4, 2010
Pete I remember you from Kelly AFB,You used to win the indoor triathlon all the time, we last ran into each other at the beach to bay in 2004. God be with you my friend. Joe
Vinny Moore
August 4, 2010
God Bless you Pete and your family
Pete came to us at the 433 CRS as an avionics technician working on C-5 aircraft in the Air Force Reserves. We knew Pete wanted to sever his country he just had to do it on weekend as a reservist. He loved running just for the fun of it. He would run during his lunch period. Then one day he started riding bike. He would bring his bike to work and ride during his lunch period. He was always in great shape and always has a joke to tell. God Bless you!
Robert Buchanan
August 4, 2010
I first met Pete at Cole H.S. and we have been friends ever since. I wasn't a runner like Pete so we only had a few things in common. We were both Viet Nam Vets. and loved our dogs. We used the evening dog walks while you guys lived in Heritage Park Estates to keep on top of the things going on in our lives and our old school buddies. After you guys moved from the neighborhood we stayed in touch with and occasional lunch but mostly by email. Pete will be missed by all that knew him, he was and Admiral Man and a life long friend.
Jenna please accept our sincerest condolences for your profound loss.
Bob & Susan Buchanan
Sharon Sander
August 4, 2010
"Sneaky Pete" as I always called him will be missed very much! He always wore a smile and had a sparkle in his eye that made one wonder what he was up too! He was a dear friend who had words of encouragement and quick wit for all who crossed his path. He was a competitor and fought his last fight as a true champion giving all that loved him more time to be with him before leaving us. With deepest sympathy to Jenna and his family and friends he left behind. Until we meet again Sneaky Pete........Sharon Sander
Walter Giesberg
August 3, 2010
I will never forget Pete, and take comfort in memories of how he encouraged us not to ever give up, and demanded nothing less than 100% effort to the finish line.
Jenna, from Irma and me our warmest sympathy to you and the family.
Phil and Anne Grisham
August 3, 2010
Jenna, we are so sorry to hear that Pete lost his battle with cancer. Even though we didn't know him that well, we knew if you had chosen him he must have been someone very special.
Please know that you are in our prayers.
Monique "Neek" Thompson
August 2, 2010
I love you Peter and will miss all your sage advice and unconditional love and acceptance. You were more than just my big brother but a father to me as well.
David Spencer
August 2, 2010
To Pete's entire family -
I worked with Pete for several years when I first came to Kelly Air Force Base in the late 80's and early 90's. He was one of those rare people that was friendly to all, even a young guy like me fresh out of school with no life experience. He taught me several life lessons - the example of always improving oneself by going to school, the power of competition and staying competitive at the different levels life brings to you, the value of being approachable to anyone. And oh - the humor! He was a truly enjoyable man and always great for a laugh or three.
In a true example of how small the world is, I ran into him later after I left Kelly through mutual running friends. He was still the same great Pete.
I am honored to have known him and sorry to know he has passed on.
Thank you for sharing him with the world.
August 2, 2010
To the Vandermey family, my deepest sympathy for the loss of Pete who was my friend through these years...I will alway remember his kind words of encouragement at races along with his laugh... Xavier N. Escobedo (San Antonio, Tx)
Rayford Bowden
August 2, 2010
We will remember the good times we shared before the sickness. Hugs to you Jenna and to the family God comfort you all.
Ray & Bobbie Bowden
Kosse, Texas
Jack & Judy Sutcliffe
August 2, 2010
Jenna,
Judy and I were very sorry to hear that Pete had crossed the finish line. We shall always remember him as great athlete, a kind and generous friend, and beacon for many to follow. I recall during days when running a 10K was a simple thing, and Pete would be way ahead of me, and I would see him coming back, toward me - him at the front of the pack, carrying his T-shirt in his hand - me struggling to stay with the pack. He would always call me by name and give an encouraging word.
Like all that knew Pete, we will miss him. His strength and positive attitude over the past few years was wonderfully brave, incredibly admirable, and typical of the man we knew.
We are in Colorado, and will not be able to attend the memorial.
August 2, 2010
Jenna, John and I so enjoyed knowing Pete and always loved hearing his stories of his many adventures, including his handkerchief one!! Much love. I know that Pete is running free and loving it and will always be watching over you and family.
August 2, 2010
As many people know, Pete and I go back to high school at Cole.We have had a long friendship over the years especially when we remet in the running and triathlon world.I will truly miss Pete and his competitive spirit. Dr Bob San Antonio
Scott Gray
August 2, 2010
I worked with Pete at Kelly AFB for a few years when we were in building 178. I truly enjoyed every aspet of Pete - from his wit to his great sense of humor to his work ethic.
Pete was a great person that certainly left a positive impresson with me. I will never forget him.
James Carrillo
August 2, 2010
Jenna, we met just briefly at Pete's retirement celebration at CPSG. I would frequently see the pictures Pete had of you and him together. The both of you looked so happy. I miss Pete coming over to my desk to discuss things: family, cycling, and cancer. He was a good friend. He is loved and will be missed greatly.
David Brogdon
August 2, 2010
Condolences and lots of hugs to Jenna and the extended Vandermey family. Pete was the best of "the best". Now he's just taken it to a Higher level. Watch out Heaven! Pete's got his golden Nikes on! If Heaven didn't already have a marathon event, it will now.
Hugs to everyone!
Don/Raeanna Bergan
August 1, 2010
Even though Raeanna and I moved away 10 years ago our friendship never waivered. You were a very special friend to us who we will miss dearly. You will always be in our thoughts and prayers.
Amber Vandermey
August 1, 2010
I love you Dad. Miss you greatly! ~Amber
Roland & Tommie Albert
August 1, 2010
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
jack weiss
August 1, 2010
I first met Pete at the 1993 Stutters Duathlon. He was new to the sport but we fast became close friends and over the years we would meet at events, compete but mostly visit and tell "war" stories. In 2005 we roomed together and then went and raced the Texas State Time Trials. The last time we competed was in 2007 when we teamed up to do Tour de Gruene 2 person Bike TT.
Pete was a great guy, like me a real dog lover and a fierce but fair and friendly competitor. They say that when a person dies, a little bit of each one of also dies. With Pete's passing, I truly believe that. It's been several years now but the loss is still immense. A part of my life is now gone forever, a really good part and while I will always have the memories, it will not be the same.
To Jenna and the rest of pete's family please accept our sincerest condolences for your profound loss. Pete meant so much too so many people and he truly touch hundreds if not thousands of lives.
Jack & Ester Weiss
marianne van der Mey
August 1, 2010
Lieve Pete,
I will always by gratefull for my big brother
Kelley Morrison
August 1, 2010
Pete, you will be truly missed by many.
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