Lawrence Allen Van Gorder

Dear Nancy, Dave and family,



Truly I feel your sorrow as we burried my own father the day before Larry. But as someone said to me, the tears we cry are for us, not for them. And so they are as memories long forgotten keep coming to the surface day-by-day and we try to come to grips with not seeing or talking to our loved one again, this side of heaven. We are fortunate in having many years with such great men as fathers, husbands, leaders in church, business and community and service to their country. What role models that generation was. In my North Way days, I had the privilege to work with Larry on different projects and he was always a blessing and joy to work with. We take joy and great comfort in knowing our loved ones are with Jesus, whole in body, soul, mind and spirit and we will join them soon enough. Until then, we will miss them always while they cheer us on in the great cloud of witnesses. You are in my prayers.

Tears of sadness are always mixed with tears of joy when I hear of one of God's children leaving this world and entering His. I knew and respected Larry Van Gorder through his son, Dave, and daughter, Cindy. What a man he was to leave such a legacy! Praying for Nancy and all the family.

We were classmates since Kindergarten. I remember him fondly. Wonderful guy -- always was. Condolences to his family and to his sister Nancy, whom I knew also in school.

I was very sad when I learned of Mr. Van Gorder's death. I worked for him briefly, when U.S. Steel had a dept. in the Union Trust building in the late 1960's. He was a very kind and thoughtful gentlemen. My prayers go to his family and friends.

We are saddened to hear of Larry's passing. He was not only an officer, but truly a gentleman.

I AM SORRY TO LEARN OF THE PASSING OF LARRY AND OFFER MY CONDOLENCES TO THE VAN GORDER FAMILY. I HAVE KNOWN LARRY SINCE 7th GRADE AT BROOKLINE GRADE SCHOOL AND SOUTH HILLS HIGH. THE LAST TIME I SAW AND SPOKE WITH LARRY WAS AT THE CLASS OF '49's 50tH REUNION. HE WAS ALWAYS NUMBER ONE IN MY BOOK.

Nancy, our thoughts and prayers go out to you in this most difficult of times. It is so hard being far away from Pittsburgh, and not able to get home to let you know in person how Amy and I are hurting with you at this time. We will remember Larry always as the perfect neighbor always willing to lend a hand or to stop and chat. We were honored to live next to you and to get to know him. God Bless.

I have known the Van Gorder's since I was three years old. They have supported me in prayer for years. Almost a year ago, my husband and I had the pleasure of meeting with them for pre-marital counseling. What a privilege to be counseled by such a committed, loving, and FUN couple. We will miss Larry.

I was sorry to hear of the sudden passing of Mr. Van Gorder - I only had the pleasure of meeting him once, but because of my friendship with Dave, our conversations about his dad and my prayers for him as he's struggled with health issues over the past year I feel as if I knew him. And, after reading the beautiful written tribute, I can join with you in thanking God for the three miracles of his life and the legacy he leaves.

Your family will remain in my thoughts and prayers as you grieve - may the peace that passes all understanding envelop you all in the coming days.

With deepest sympathy,



Dan Hoey

Sounds like he was a wonderful Marine, Semper Fi.