David Louis Vander Lende

Dear Sharon & Andrea,
I want to take a moment to express to you my heartfelt sympathy for your loss. Dave and I spent many, many hours at the Range talking golf, military experiences and family. I have never witnessed one person provide so much positive influences on the youth entrusted to his teachings as Dave exhibited. As I stated to Dave often "I wish you fair winds and following seas" God Bless you and your family. Jerry "Bulldog" Flanigan

We were deeply saddened to hear of Dave's passing. He was and still is such a great inspiration to my son, Nolan. Nolan loves the game of golf all because of Dave. I can't begin to express how much Nolan looked up to Dave- he was his ultimate hero! As Nolan continues on his journey to play the great game of golf, I know he will never forget his first mentor and friend, who believed in him from the time he was just 6 years old! With Deepest Sympathies, "Nolan's Mom" as Dave used to call me!

My deepest sympathy goes out to his wife and family. My name is Linda Kroon, Yes, one of the Kroon kids from Good Old Lincoln Country Club. I worked for Mr. Vander Lende for many years. I learned so much from this great man! He truely was an educator of the game, but also a good listener with lots a good advice. He was so fun to work for. I still am in the golf business, and really love my job, because Dave taught me to work hard and to enjoy what you do in life. I know he enjoyed all his...

To Sharon, Andrea & Heidi,
There are so few great men in this world and I had the extreme privilege of knowing one of them, Dave from the Driving Range. He taught me the game of golf, I hurt my back, he taught me again, I broke my shoulder, he taught me again, I tore my ACL-had it replaced and Dave said "Forget golf, you need to stay home and quit getting' hurt all of the time". He made an old, out of shape, no talent wanna-be feel good about playing bad. He gave me an Ohio State hat...

To Dave's family;
I met Dave at his driving range in Lake Mary just after we moved here 10 years ago...we loved to talk about Grand Rapids (see my maiden name, we knew each other's heritage right away, he like to call me homie). We enjoyed following Andrea's golf career thru LMHS and U of F, he was so very proud of her. Dave is just a good guy to have known, he will be missed by many. He also built my husband's golf clubs, which my husband claims "don't work very well", but Dave and I...

Sharon & Andrea,We are so sorry to hear of Davids passing.Please accept our most humble and sincere sympathy.We were hoping you would all be in Grand Rapids this summer when we all got together.Of course, at that time few of us knew of the seriousness of his condition.
Again,Carol and I offer our deepest sympathy. May God bless you all with His peace.