Name: Celebration of Life for Adrian Vande Merwe
Start: 2023-03-24T00:00:00.000Z
End: 2023-03-24T02:00:00.000Z
Location: Starks Funeral Parlor

Adrian J Vande Merwe

1959 ~ 2023

Adrian J. Vande Merwe was born January 14, 1959 in Bountiful, Utah. He attended Viewmont High School, the University of Utah and dental school at the University of the Pacific. He practiced dentistry in Bountiful for 36 years. He was a beloved dentist in Davis County because of his compassion, humor and honesty. He never tried to sell a service that was not needed and made many house-calls to relieve pain. His staff were treated like family. He had a brilliant mind and was an avid reader. He appreciated architecture, designing a "Frank Lloyd Wright" style home in Mueller Park Canyon and was also a gifted artist. When asked why he became a dentist rather than study art or architecture, he answered, "I liked helping people in their time of need." Adrian married the love of his life, Jamie Swanson on March 11th 1995. Their daughter, Holland, was born in November of 1999. They loved traveling together. Adrian and Jamie rarely missed one of Holland's volleyball matches or softball games, no matter where it was played. Adrian also enjoyed bicycling, sailing and hiking - although he could never keep up with Jamie (who can?). He was very generous, kind, compassionate, and 100% honest. He always advocated for those who faced discrimination and attended many Pride parades. Most of all, Adrian was an amazing husband and father. One of the highlights of his life was to be able to attend Holland's wedding while fighting the most aggressive type of brain cancer, glioblastoma. Adrian is survived by his wife, Jamie, daughter, Holland, son-in-law, Ethan, Mother, Donna and siblings Joe (Kari), Audrey (Greg), Dave (Kim) and Rob (Liz) and his dog, Sullivan. He is preceded in death by his father, Joe and his in-laws, Hank and Doris Swanson, and many dogs. He passed away on March 5th 2023 at Creekside Senior Living, in the room next to his mother. In life and in death, Adrian was a family man! Please join us in a Celebration of Adrian's life on Thursday, March 23, 2023 from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East. Guests are encouraged to use the parking and entrance on the north side of the building. Arrangements entrusted to Starks Funeral Parlor. Share your memories and photos and view a tribute slideshow at www.starksfuneral.com

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

Published by The Salt Lake Tribune from Mar. 9 to Mar. 13, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Adrian Merwe

Sponsored by Starks Funeral Parlor.

21 Entries

Neila Jordan

May 4, 2023

I met Dr. Adrian when I moved to Bountiful in 2000 and needed a dentist. He was a great person and dentist and I enjoyed him and his great team. I volunteer with a local pet rescue and we always talked about cats and dogs while I was there. In fact a few years ago he gave an outdoor office of cat of mine a home, Stripes. I hope Stripes helped keep the mice at bay. I will miss him and his humor and his kindness. I am glad his family has more time with him than originally expected.

Neil & Cheryl Brown

April 6, 2023

So sorry for the loss of Dr. Adrian. He rescued us several times on weekends when we had issues, and served our family for close to 30 years. He will be greatly missed.

Ketty and Craig H

March 23, 2023

Dr. Adrian was the best dentist we ever had. He was always there when we needed him. Adrian's laugh can always brightner our day. He was very supportive and kind when our family was going through a trial. He was an amazing human being and an honest dentist. He never try to sell or push unnecessary services to his patients. His work ethic is hard to find now. We will miss him so much. Sending love and prayers to his family.

David Finklea

March 23, 2023

I grew up across the street from VandeMerwe family in North Salt Lake, what a great time and neighborhood to grow up in. I always looked up to Adrian and all of the VandeMerwe boys, Adrian was kind, generous, very bright and a genuine friend. My sincere condolences to the VandeMerwe family.

Bill Johnson

March 21, 2023

Dear Vande Merwe family, I am so sorry for your loss. Adrian had many friends growing up, but in High School, I considered him my best friend. We spent our winters skiing and summers playing football and fixing up our sports cars. Adrian had a cool Triumph TR3 you could literally touch the ground if you hung your arm down outside of the car. We had a blast driving around the winding streets in the foothill neighborhoods. I could go on and on with fond memories. I have included a photo of Adrian (Jaybite as we called him) when he visited me before I left on my mission.

We stayed connected through our missions, then seemed to go our separate ways as we met our spouses and started our families. Adrian was the best man at my wedding. He was the first person outside of family to hold my first-born child and participated in the prayer circle as we gave her a name and a blessing.

Adrian was blessing for good in my youth with his kind and accepting disposition. My condolences to your family.

Eternal Affection Arrangement- BASKET INCLUDED

OTF Bountiful

Sent Flowers

Russ and Kathy Bastian

Sent Flowers

Dr Vertongen

March 20, 2023

I sat next to Adrian for three years in dental school.
Being from Belgium myself we had a Dutch connection.
He will be missed but I will hold on to the great memories from dental school of the "V" brothers.
God bless
Tony p. Vertongen dds

Dawn Perry

March 20, 2023

My family and I were one of Adrian's first patients when he opened up his practice on 500 South in Bountiful. He was my great dentist for almost 40 years. We always had good conversation when I came in. He even took my family out on his sailboat on the great Salt Lake, whereupon two of us immediately got sick, so it was a short sailing! I am going to miss Adrian's smile and good humor. Love to his wife and daughter.

Brenda Johnson

March 16, 2023

Dr. Adrian wasn't just our dentist, he became a friend. What a wonderful soul, who will be missed and thought of with fondness. Condolences to his family and friends.

Casey Chamberlain

March 15, 2023

Coming into the office always felt like a family reunion. I had been a patient from very close to the beginning of his practice. Adrian made you feel like you were at home and went out his way to take care of you. He always had a good story ready to go, usually about biking and full of humor. He was super interested about how you were doing and what you had been up to since the last time you had talked. I looked forward to our visits. I couldn't have asked for a better dentist, who over the years was a good friend that made you feel like you were part of the family. I am extraordinarily fortunate to have know him, and have him and the fantastic staff that he surrounded himself with in my life. I am grateful to have had the small opportunity to bring him some treats and return the favor of assisting him one afternoon when he needed a helping hand. Thank you Adrian for all of the love you shared with everyone.
My deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. He will be missed.

The Chamberlain's

curtis

March 14, 2023

Dr V. would always joke about how I still had all my wisdom teeth and so few cavities which was crazy growing up with the NSL water. He also always took the time to ask about my mom as he knew her heath was failing. Great dentist, person and part of the great VandeMerwe family I grew up with who helped me become who I am. Thanks for being a great person, genuine person and family man.

merritt

March 13, 2023

Dear Jamie,
I have just seen Adrian's obituary in the paper and I want to send my condolences to you. Adrian was
Dear Jamie,
I have just seen Adrian's obituary in the paper and I wanted to send my condolences. He was a wonderful soul and you and he were a hard working, loving team.
Please know I am thinking of you and sending my very best. affectionately, Merritt

AJ VandeMerwe

March 12, 2023

Not only did I call him my dentist, but i also got to call him uncle Adrian. Such a kind and loving soul, So down to earth and just a real genuine human being. I am saddend that I didn't make the time to go see him a few more times. So many memories over the years, from boating, Camping, swimming and sleepovers at his house aswell as just being at his office.
One of my memories I have of him is when I was around 10 years old I had to get braces, and they sucked. So I would always pick at them, pull them off, anything to stop the pain, or getting the food out of the braces. This went on for a while, till I made mom, dad and Adrain so desperate that he had to bribe me with $50 if I just left them alone. I look back at the just the patience he had for a 10 year old punk like me.
The kingdom of heaven has received the humble and bright spirit of a husband, father, brother, son, and uncle.
Thank you Uncle Adrian.

The Rasmussen Family

March 11, 2023

My condolences to the family. He was our dentist for my years. From my children to grandchildren. I loved talking to him about his bees as we also had bees so it was a fun thing to share with him. We will miss him.
My you be blessed and remember all the special times you shared as a family.

The Rasmussen Family

John Cummings

March 11, 2023

I still have most of my teeth thanks to Adrian.

Brandon Sulser

March 10, 2023

He was my dentist from the age of 12 to 42. I have a great smile because of him and he always made me smile. When I saw him throughout the years we became good friends when I became a quadriplegic he still continue to selflessly help me with my teeth when times were hard. Heaven received a great man. Looking forward to seeing your great smile again as you sail through the heavens. Thoughts and prayers are with your family and your beautiful wife.

Anonymous...from the North Salt Lake Neighborhood

March 10, 2023

I grew up in the same neighborhood as Adrian. His dad, mom, and siblings were great people. The home was always neat and tidy, and all of the family was ready to offer a helping hand whenever needed. I also saw that the work ethic of his dad was instilled in Adrian at an early age.

Adrian was a super kid. I lost track of him over the years, but after reading his obituary, I know now that he was a great father, friend, dentist, and talented artist. I alway knew that he would achieve many great and wonderful things in his life.

To the family and friends of Adrian, I am very sorry for your loss. I am sure Adrian will be missed immensely.

Please accept my condolences.

Cheryl Steggell

March 10, 2023

Dear Vande Merwe family, I am so sorry for your loss. Adrian was not only my dentist but also a friend, and as both you could not meet a more caring human. I will miss all of his posts on his daughters games, his biking route and dogs. Prayers are with you Jamie and Holland.
Love,
Cheryl Steggell.

Danielle Michaelson

March 10, 2023

We are so sad to hear of Dr. Vande Merwe's passing. He was our family dentist for over 20 years. We so appreciated his humor, kindness, integrity, and honesty. He will be dearly missed. Our hearts and prayers are with you.

Laura Passey

March 9, 2023

Oh I am so sad to read of Dr. Vande Merwe passing! Although I had not seen him in many years due to my relocating - I have always admired him and wished he made house calls in Arizona. Jamie and Holland - his love is great and he loves you even now. Keep his memories alive and laugh often. Sending all my love and prayers to you and yours.
Rest well Doc, Peace be yours.

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