Douglas E. Van Vleet

Obituary
DOUGLAS E. VAN VLEET
HECTOR, NY - Douglas E. VanVleet, 54, of Seneca Rd., beloved husband, father, papa, son, brother, uncle and friend, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, June 9, 2003 at Schuyler Hospital, Montour Falls.Born November 5, 1948, in Ithaca, NY. He was a son of Hazel Rosbaugh VanVleet and the late George VanVleet.This great man is survived by his loving wife of 33 years, Brenda Scott VanVleet; his two daughters, Monica (Bob) Bunce and Jodi (Steve Matice) VanVleet; his adoring grandchildren, Matt, Samantha and his namesake, Douglas Bunce. He is also survived by his mother, Hazel VanVleet. His siblings, Frank (Louise) VanVleet of Pine City, Mary (Butch) Morrow of Lodi, Nelda MacDonald of Romulus, Dana VanVleet of Ovid, Clair VanVleet of Florida, and Carl VanVleet of Lodi. And many, many, many loving nieces, nephews and friends. He is also survived by his best friend, his dog, Tobe.Doug graduated from Interlaken Central School. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War and the recipient of the Purple Heart, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign, the Combat Infantryman's Badge and the Army Commendation Medal. He worked at Willard Psychiatric Center, his brother's Auto Shop, and the Seneca Army Depot until he happily and eagerly retired in April of 2000.It's hard to put into words who this man was. Anyone who knew him knew a hard working, truly honest man. He was very much a family man and nothing came before that. If he wasn't working in his homebuilt garage or helping a family member of friend, he was hunting, fishing, gardening or enjoying well-deserved time with his grandchildren. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him.It was Doug's request that there be no calling hours.Family and friends are invited to a Memorial service on Thursday, June 12, 2003 at 1 p.m. at the Covert Funeral Homes, 7199 S. Main St., Ovid with Pastor Pete Hood, officiating. Interment will be in Holy Cross Cemetery, Ovid.The family requests that memorials in Doug's name be directed to Schuyler Hospital, attention Memorial Fund, 220 Steuben St., Montour Falls, NY 14865; or to Hector Ambulance, PO Box 46, Hector, NY 14841 or to; Schuyler Ambulance, PO Box 2, Watkins Glen, NY 14891.Arrangements have been entrusted to the Covert Funeral Home, 7199 South Main Street, Ovid, NY.