Jack Edward Veenstra

Today I was thinking about Jack and wondering how he was doing. I haven't seen him in years. I did a quick Google search to find out what he was up to. I was shocked to find this. I'm so sorry. I knew him when he lived in Rochester. We attended the same church. He was a really nice guy and I am so saddened to learn about his passing.

I knew Jack briefly while at Calvin College. He was a big friendly smiling guy - patient with this doofus two years below him who knew so much less than he in our shared major. To me he appeared to be constantly full of energy and ideas.

Years later we had occasion to trade some email on our shared interest in biking, and I came across his hilarious blog about his family: http://laura-sayings.blogspot.ca/

I was saddened today to read about his passing in the Calvin Spark (Alumni magazine.)

I pray for peace and comfort for his family, and wanted to express my condolences to you.

...art

Jack was a gentle, quick-witted, super smart, prankster, non-complainer in rough circumstances..while dealing with Hodgkin's disease. Super sad to hear of his passing to a better place. Best wishes to his family.
Dale B - suitemate at Calvin C.

I am so sorry to hear this! While I haven't seen him in many years, knowing Jack at River Terrace Church, Hannah Middle School and Calvin College was a joy and a privilege. I will always think of him as one of the really nice and good guys. I recall being sad and afraid when Jack was diagnosed with Hodgkins many years ago and being so happy when he went on to many years of good living. My thoughts and prayers go out to Mo, Nell, Julie, Linda, Jack's wife, children and other family members.

On the first day of basketball practice I landed on Jack's large foot and sprained my right ankle. Jack was a junior and a genius; I was a freshman and an idiot. My injury was a joke between us until the usual malignant forces sent us in differing directions and we saw one another no more. Jack was a great guy, even on that excruciating day in the late 1970s. And the news of his death breaks my heart.

Jack was a wonderful father and teacher. We knew Jack as Brianna's and Jason's Dad. Calm, patient, involved. Laura we grieve for you and your loss. Heidi and Chris

I did not know Jack well but my few interactions were with a man of patience, depth, intelligence, critical thinking, calm, commitment, and loyalty. No doubt he leaves behind many quality friends. So sad for them and his immediate family.

May The Lord be Your Comforter! Sounds like Jack IS A REAL Eternal Blessing for you! Praise the Lord.

It has been a privilege to have known Jack the many years since he joined the Palo Alto Christian Reformed Church (PACRC). His quiet kindness and humor, plus tenor voice will be missed. the day Jack introduced Laura to the PACRC we all fell in love with Laura, our funny, funny friend. Later to be "introduced" to Brianna and Jason, who stole everyone's heart. Their unconditional love for their Dad was so apparent. We shall all miss Jack, but know that some day our paths will cross again ... the best we can do now is rally around Laura, Brianna and Jason. "JACK, REST IN PEACE'

My heart goes out to Laura, Brianna, and Jason. I am so sorry for your loss. While I did not know him, I know he must have been special to have the three of you in his life.

I was on the faculty at Rochester when Jack was completing his PhD. He was a wonderful member of the graduate student community and a good person. I was unaware of his illness (our community has scattered since those years), so I was both surprised and deeply sorry to hear of his passing. He will be missed.

Tom LeBlanc
Provost
University of Miami

Your love for life and our Lord continue in the legacy you've left with your family and friends.