VEEN Richard (Dick) Vander Veen of Grand Rapids. Dick was born November 26, 1922 in Grand Rapids and died here, leaving his loving wife of almost 60 years, Marion Coward Vander Veen. Dick and Marion were married in Lapeer, Michigan in 1946. Dick served in the U.S Navy and saw action in both WWII...
I am a life long Democrat i was just 22 when Mr. Vanderveen was elected he was the first person i ever voted for . He was a life long inspiration. My sincere condolencies to all his family,
Tom Lindquist
March 11, 2006 | GRand Rapids, MI
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Dick was my much admired older cousin. A very kind, compassionate man to his younger cousins. We were closer in age to his children, but never made to feel that way. I was so proud of him and all he did and stood for. My younger brother and I would torment Gerald Ford whenever he pulled into town and parked his bus in front of city hall during campaigning days - jumping up and down, making faces - we thought we were so clever. I haven't seen Dick for a long time, but it seems like only...
Rebecca Jernigan(VanderVeen)
March 10, 2006 | Lansing, MI
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Marion, Rich, and family. I was saddened to hear moments ago of Dick's passing. That sadness is, of course, accompanied by cherished memories of working in the DC office of Cong. VanderVeen, and the decades of political and professional inspiration Dick's life has provided me, and countless others. Indeed, just last evening, at an event in Denver with US Senator Ken Salazar (my former law partner) and Montana Gov. Schweitzer swapping tales about "blue" victories in "red" jurisdictions, I...
Jim Spaanstra
March 05, 2006 | Lakewood, CO
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Although I didn't personally know Mr. VanderVeen, his life of service to others and many achievements serve as a model and inspiration for us all.
Ben Fowler
March 05, 2006 | Grand Rapids, MI
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What a wonderful and impressive life! Mr. VanderVeen's life is an example to us all on how to be a good citizen, but more importantly, a good human being.
I only had the honor of meeting him a couple of times, but I've known his sons Larry and Paul for over twenty years. I know what good human beings and friends they are and that's always a reflection of how your parents raised you. Larry and Paul always spoke with such great pride and love for their parents, and Paul always looked...
Ed Lee
March 04, 2006 | Fairfax, VA
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Dick was a great man and a role model to those of us who came of age during the Watergate era. Thank you, Dick.
Robert Blackburn
March 04, 2006 | Berkeley, CA
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Just heard of the passing of your dear Dick and our prayers go out to you and your family. God be with you all.
Mardy and Forrest Tarr
March 04, 2006 | Grand Rapids, MI
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Our greatest sympathies go to Marion and the family. It was a blessing to have known and worked with Dick.