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The Island Funeral Home & Crematory

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Rick Vanderslice Obituary

Rick Vanderslice On Friday July 3rd, 2020, Rick Vanderslice entered into the limitless freedom of eternal life just before July 4, a holiday he celebrated with reverence and audacious flair. The sixty years he spent before forever were lived in extravagant love and constant adventure. Rick's heart was passionate, and fell in love with people, his family, his beloved wife, and most of all His Savior. That heart led him to a multitude of adventures and a reckless way of giving; of his time, of his money, of his services. Somehow it was never exhausted, accumulating more and more friends and funding more and more dreams. His heart led him to his lifetime love, Joni Vanderslice, and they shared a love and partnership that fostered his joy de vivre attitude. He showered his wife in tenderness and affection that spilled over in waves to their two daughters. No man, no home, no person is ever perfect, and Rick was quick to tell anyone his faults and was hesitant to boast in anything at all. Rick was a curator, of the best food, best places, best songs. He was expressive in his personal style. Wearing with confidence audacious colors and perky bow ties accompanied by long locks and the spontaneously occurring full beard. Just as remarkable, his casual wear often included a cowboy hat and/or boots. He fit in anywhere, from Saville Row to Cody, WI, and was quite happy to be there too. He knew how to act every bit the local. His vast knowledge and swinging accents made him hard to place. He captured moments in unique and inspired ways through his passion of photography, seeing life through his lens. Rick fell passionately in love with Tanzania and its people. His heart broke for the 3 million orphans in their population and immediately acted, never once questioning or doubting the plan God set before him. His passionate heart obeyed the Lord and envisioned a home for children to be loved and raised in relationship with Christ Jesus. To his 27 children in Tanzania, he is Baba Ricky. He knew each by name, getting to know their personalities and returning each year with thoughtful gifts and intentional time. He was and will always be their father. Rick Vanderslice's bedside manner is what made him the best doctor; a surgeon that operated in compassion. He loved his patients, who almost always became dear friends, as they were attended to by the boyish and personal physician. An avid outdoorsman, fisherman, hunter, hiker, cyclist etc; Rick was invigorated by sharing the outdoors, interacting with the creation so thoughtfully crafted by an intentional God. Rick Vanderslice was a sharer, a curator, a passionate husband and father, the most prolific friend, an aspiring trout bum, a philanthropist (both officially and as a lifestyle), an impeccable dresser, and never one to do things half way. Rick loves Jesus and was passionate about spreading the gospel, and unbeknownst to himself, he lived it. He truly loved his neighbor as himself. Rick is survived by his cherished wife, Joni, two lavishly loved daughters; Sarah, 21 and Grace, 19, 27 long awaited adopted children, his beloved parents Richard and Nancy, and his twin (delayed five years) and best friend, Ed Vanderslice. A memorial service will be held at St. Luke's Church on Friday, July 10, 2020 at 2:00 pm and for those unable to attend in person, will be streamed live and can be seen by visiting St. Luke's website or St. Luke's YouTube channel. In lieu of flowers, if you would like to honor Rick's memory and bless what he and his family are most passionate about, please donate to the Valentine Project at valentineproject.org. Islandfuneralhome.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Island Packet on Jul. 7, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Rick Vanderslice

Not sure what to say?





Paul and Mary Menzel

July 1, 2021

Sending Love

Mary and Paul Menzel

July 16, 2020

Joni, Paul and I are so very sorry for your loss. What a wonderful person Rick was. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless, Love, Mary and Paul

Tom Barger

July 15, 2020

Joni, I am so sorry for your loss. I had no idea. Rick certainly sounds like the man I would love to pattern my life after. He is with Jesus now in a new glorified body with no pain. May God bless you and your family.

Jim Rotch

July 15, 2020

Sorry I never had the opportunity to meet Rick. I knew him only by all the great things I heard said about him. He was obviously a terrific person. My deepest sympathy to Joni and the rest of the family.
Jim Rotch

Kristy Troutman

July 15, 2020

Joni, I am so very sorry to hear of Ricks passing. My heart and prayers are with you and your family. May God help you find comfort.

Christina Juarez

July 15, 2020

Dear Joni

I am so sorry to read of your husband's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Warm regards,

Christina Juarez

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

shari kline

Planted Trees

Lynda A. Welte

July 15, 2020

Joni
My heart goes out to you.
With deepest care and sympathy
Lynda Welte

Gus Hetzel

July 15, 2020

Joni, I am so sorry to hear about Rick's passing. He was such a great guy and I know that everyone that got to know him will be missing him dearly. It warms my heart to know that he was a believer and loved the Lord. He is home now and without pain. Please accept our sincere condolences to you and your family.

Angel Jarrell

July 14, 2020

I am speechless. Dr. Vanderslice was by far one of the greatest surgeons I have ever had the pleasure of working alongside. He will be missed beyond measure. His knowledge, compassion, and fabulous sense of humor is irreplaceable. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Dean Huntley

July 12, 2020

Thinking of all of the wonderful things Rick has left us with and wishing you peace

Travers Davis

July 10, 2020

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Vanderslice family. May God showered you with warmth and love during this time. Travers, Lynn and Travers Davis

Dorothy Yanavich

July 10, 2020

In Ricks sickness or health, he made us feel welcomed and special.
God is truly embracing him now and sending the Holy Spirit to you Joni, Sarah and Grace to comfort and wrap you in His care.

Grove of 100 Memorial Trees

AE Smith

Planted Trees

Exquisite Tribute Standing Spray

Areadne Soler

Sent Flowers

Cluster of 50 Memorial Trees

Ingrid Nivens

Planted Trees

Lisa Murphy gomez

July 7, 2020

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. My heart hurts for you all but knowing you have the strongest and most loving of Guardian Angels watching over you all will bring you some peace and comfort. Prayers and hugs to you all xo

Chrissy Hamilton

July 7, 2020

Deepest sympathy on the loss of an absolute original! What a pleasure to have worked with him for 22 years. I will miss his laughter and chirping his greeting to me Hellllloooo Crazy which I would respond with vandersloshkin. May the beautiful memories sustain you all. ❤

Brad Fraum

July 7, 2020

Joni, so sorry to hear of your loss. May the times well spent be your condolence for now.

Scarlett Thayer

July 7, 2020

Joni, I am so sorry for your loss. My husband, Russ, passed away in April so I understand what you are going through. Hope you remember me - Scarlett (Nimmer) Thayer. You were so kind to me when I rented your apartment. I was also a patient of Ricks at or time. My sincere condolences to your and your family.

Kathy pinks

July 7, 2020

It was a pleasure to work with Dr. V. In the OR I will truly miss him. House lights off.

Lori otterstrom Icu nurse

July 7, 2020

such a great guy and a pleasure to know and work with for 20 years!! Always happy to see the outfit and bowtie come in the door of the icu!! especially at Christmas! Long time ... i wish love to all of you!!

Connie Payne

July 7, 2020

Worked with Dr Vanderslice for 8 wonderful years . He was the most generous fun loving person .There was never a time he would leave to go see his second family in tanzania and not come back with a gift for us girls. Every holiday expect a card and a gift from him . He brought me into St Lukes parish. there are so many memories that I can't post here but the one that I will remember was his last month working with us he would come in the office always humming a tune even if he was not feeling the best . I said to him Dr V you always have such a positive up beat attitude. And he answered why not I am here.Love that man He will truly be missed by all To Joni and the girls my prayers are with you all

Claire Fusco

July 7, 2020

Dr. Vanderslice was a wonderful, talented surgeon who calmed our fears when my husband was diagnosed with bladder cancer. He will be missed by all. Rick you are now with Jesus, the best place to be and you see the loving light of our Savior.

Debby Wood

July 7, 2020

One of the nicest people I have ever met. When you met Rick you were instantly a friend. My deepest sympathy, I know he will truly be missed by his family and friends.

JESSE IVERSON

July 7, 2020

Dr. Vanderslice saved my life by referring me to another doctor for special treatment. Forever grateful. We are very sorry for your loss.

Showing 1 - 26 of 26 results

Make a Donation
in Rick Vanderslice's name

Memorial Events
for Rick Vanderslice

Jul

10

Memorial service

2:00 p.m.

St. Luke's Church

SC

Funeral services provided by:

The Island Funeral Home & Crematory

4 Cardinal Road, Hilton Head, SC 29926

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