Robert Martin Vander Veer

Robert Martin Vander Veer

Virginia Beach - Robert Martin Vander Veer (Bob, as most people called him) was put on this earth to teach us how to love one another. His philosophy about life was, "There is no such thing as "hate", there is only love and lack of love." He lived this every day in the way he treated people, regardless of their position in life. He treated everyone with the same respect and loving kindness that so exemplified his persona.

I had the joy of being married to him for the last 25 years of his life. Although he never had any children of his own, my two daughters said he was the best Dad they ever had. He loved them dearly. Then we became grandparents to Lauren and Paulina. Bob was thrilled. For the last six summers, ever since they were four and six, we have taken them camping in our motor home for two weeks, just the four of us. He loved every minute of it and so looked forward to creating those wonderful memories. Bob savored every minute of his life and lived by James Dean's philosophy, "Dream as if you'll live forever, live as if you'll die today!"

Born in New London, CT in 1938, Bob graduated from the University of Connecticut and immediately entered the U.S. Military. A true officer and a gentleman, Bob proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy and Naval Reserve, retiring as Captain, USNR. He was a Federal employee of the Commander in Chief, U.S. Atlantic Fleet and retired after more than 30 years of service. A diehard patriot and a strict constitutionalist, he was always ready and willing if you ever wanted to have a political discourse or discuss the state of affairs of the world.

Bob was a family man in every sense of the word. In addition to myself, Bob is survived by our two daughters and their husbands, our two granddaughters, three brothers and four sisters-in-law, his mother-in-law, nieces, nephews and cousins and many wonderfully, amazing friends too numerous to mention by name, but you know who you are.

I never met one person who did not have something nice to say about Bob. He was always willing to lend a hand, whether through volunteer work or just helping a neighbor, friend or a stranger in need. He was there! In keeping with Bob's request, there will be no service, but, it would be so lovely, if you knew him, and he touched your life in some way, or you have a "story" you would like to share, please e-mail me at: fayevanderveer@gmail.com. Your memories would mean so much. Thank you.