Pastor William "Bill" Vanden Bos

1928 - 2014

William Vanden Bos William "Bill" Vanden Bos passed away on November 6, in Lynden WA. Bill was born in Platte, SD where he farmed, first with his father and then on his own. He married Mary Vander Ley on Dec 6, 1949 and they were blessed with four boys. In 1966 Bill felt the call to the ministry and moved his family to Grand Rapids, MI to attend Calvin College and then Calvin Seminary. After graduation he served churches in Sumas, WA, Newton, IA, and Bemis, SD. Bill was a true pastor to his congregations, sharing not only his love of the gospel, but also his love for people. In "retirement" Bill served several congregations on an interim basis and then spent eleven years as the Chaplin at the Christian Health Care Center in Lynden. Bill loved God, his family, and God's creation. His love for God was expressed in his willingness to move his family from South Dakota to pursue his transition into the ministry. He was blessed in this new ministry and greatly enjoyed serving the churches for which he was a pastor. Both church members and friends from the community were touched by his gentle spirit and kind manner. Bill loved his family, both his extended family in South Dakota and his immediate family. Of course the love of his life was his wife, Mary. During their nearly 65 years of marriage they were a true team, both in parenting and also in ministry. Time with family was always enjoyed, with much good food, visiting, jokes, and laughter. Games could get a little competitive at times, whether cards played in the house or tennis, bocce ball, or croquet played outside. Later in life Bill enjoyed nothing more than seeing his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and supporting them in whatever sporting or artistic endeavor they were involved in. The South Dakota prairie would always remain near and dear to Bill, but the mountains of Washington also became very important to him. With his move to Sumas in 1973 he took up hiking and mountain climbing. Many hikes and climbs were enjoyed including climbs up Mt Baker with each of his sons. After retirement he enjoyed trips back to South Dakota to canoe down the Missouri River with family members and also to hike in the Black Hills with his sons. Bill is survived by his wife, Mary and his four sons; Don (Marlene), Roland (Esther), Steve (Sherry), and Tim (Julie). Bill and Mary were also blessed with 12 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. A viewing will be held on Tuesday, November 11 from 4:00-7:00 PM at Gillies Funeral Home in Lynden. The Memorial service will be on Wednesday, November 12 at 11:00 AM at Third Christian Reformed Church in Lynden. Donations in memory of Bill Vanden Bos can be made to the Christian Health Care Center of Lynden. You are invited to share your condolences and memories in the online guestbook at www.gilliesfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are entrusted to Gillies Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Lynden.