Contributions to the tribute of Richard Vander Deen

32 Metcalfe Street West | Strathroy, Ontario N7G 1M6 | Phone: (519) 245-1023 | Email: office@dennings.ca

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In Memory of

Richard Vander Deen

1961 - 2013

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Thursday

May

First Visitation

2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Thursday, May 2, 2013

Providence United Reformed Church

447 Second St

Strathroy, Ontario, Canada

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Thursday

May

Second Visitation

7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Thursday, May 2, 2013

Providence United Reformed Church

447 Second St

Strathroy, Ontario, Canada

Get Directions

Friday

May

Service Information

11:00 am

Friday, May 3, 2013

Providence United Reformed Church

447 Second St

Strathroy, Ontario, Canada

Get Directions

Interment Information

Strathroy Cemetery

473 Metcalfe St

W Strathroy, Ontario, Canada

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The family of Richard Vander Deen uploaded a photo

Wednesday, July 2, 2014

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Chuck and Carol Eleveld posted a condolence

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

We will remember him always. His faith was an inspiration for so many. He tough more people than anyone could imagine (people who didn't know him, but read the blog, were truly touched by his writings. He is remembered by so many.

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Pam Reyenga posted a condolence

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Every year my family and I went to Strathroy to spend a week or more with our relatives in Canada. How I looked forward to going as did my whole family! I have so many precious and fun memories from those summers of my youth! Richard and his dear family, Auntie Grace and Uncle Ipe and all the cousins, made our visits a wonderful adventure. I remember Richard's laugh as he told a joke or pulled a prank or played a game. He really knew how to enjoy life and live it to the full! Hide-and-seek in the haymow, milking cows, haying, playing Lawn Darts or Kick the Can were all highlights of our fun summers! I thank God for Richard and his testimony to God's faithfulness! He will be missed! My prayers are with his wonderful family as they and we all grieve the loss of Richard.

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Dorothy and John Kralt posted a condolence

Monday, May 6, 2013

We did not know Richard very well, but we did meet him once or twice at his parents place when we were visiting there. The blog I followed, it was such a testimony to his life and faith in Jesus. I admire the way he lived and the way he prepared for eternity. Wishing you Barb and the children and grandchildren our sympathy and wishing you strength to carry on.

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Edie Tennant posted a condolence

Friday, May 3, 2013

When I was growing up, it was the highlight of each summer to visit the relatives in Canada. My parents would stay at Opa and Oma's house while I had the privilege of staying across the driveway at the Vander Deen's. Meal times and playing card games provided many fond memories for me. Richard's unique laugh and his sense of humor made everything more fun. We lost touch over the years, living many miles apart. Richard's faith was so evident in his blogs. His testimony was such a blessing. We sure will miss him.

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Ron Gannon-Berg posted a condolence

Friday, May 3, 2013

My cousin Richard, Has passed his training, and has run his race with endurance ... seeking to win the prise, the gift of Eternal Life, and a reward from the Most High God ... who does not always see, as we see ... God sees perfectly, sees the BIG picture clearly ... we see darkly ... we see a small glimpse of God's big plan ... we mourn our loss today ... and yes ... we may continue to mourn and ask why? ... Some day that reason won't matter ... we will see clearly, as long as we also ... run our race with endurance ... seeking to grow in Grace and Knowledge of our Lord ... trusting our Lord and Master in everything ... in life and in death, in sickness and in health ... I appreciate Richard's example, and have learned from him ... thanks Richard ... I did not always appreciate Richard as I do now ... we had our differences ... we had arguments and fought as kids ... as teens?... as adults we still had differences and different points of view on certain subjects but they don't matter... what matters is that we trust God ... have faith ... believe ... and build on our relationship with God ... God undoubtly has a wonderful job and plan for Richard ... specific details I do not know ... but Amazing Grace ... when Richard has been singing praises to God for ten thousane (10000) years ... he will have no less days to sing ... he may even have time to write some new songs that he can some day teach us ...some day. Richard, I am sure wants us to be strong ... wants us to run our race with endurance as to obtain the prize. My cousin Richard lived his human life for God, loving God above all and his neighbour as himself. We will miss Richard ... but today I want to thank all those who love Richard and have helped Richard become a true winner in a very important race. His example light and faith have inspired me. God bless and comfort you all, in your race.

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Mark & Edie Tennant posted a condolence

Friday, May 3, 2013

We are so sorry to hear that Richard passed away. He will be greatly missed. We are thinking of you often and praying that God will give you comfort.

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Audrey Hummelen posted a condolence

Friday, May 3, 2013

Dear Barb, Please know that Mom, Andrew, Tena and I are holding you very close in our thoughts and prayers. Much love to you and the family. Sincerely, Audrey

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Rick Feddema posted a condolence

Thursday, May 2, 2013

Mostly what I know about Richard is from his childhood. It was my childhood then too. We grew up together. Childhood is a magical time; a time when all things are new and exciting with all of God's creation there to discover and infinite time to discover it in; when all people are equal discovering music and math and literature and science and new lands together (we filled pop bottles with different levels of water to make different pitches while the Beattles played with strings, we hiked (skated) along ditches and bicycled along highways (on the gravel shoulders) exploring new worlds while Armstrong stepped on the moon, we played hockey on wooden barn floors when the turkeys were gone pretending to be Hull or Howe or Mahovolich or Keon or Stapleton; childhood was a time when you laughed when something tickled your funny bone (and oh how Richard could laugh) and you cried and kicked and screamed when things didn't seem right (and oh how Richard could scrap). After we moved off the farm I didn't see Richard as much but our paths did still cross. I remember visiting the Vanderdeen's once and Richard was stealing the spotlight telling jokes and mimicking his mother in good fun. I remember seeing him at the beach at Lakewood lying face down on a towel with his arm around the back of some blonde girl (Barb) and thinking what a lucky guy. And it was great fun when he and some friends came to visit me in Calgary. But those childhood days are long gone. (Getting to know Richard again through his blogs I see what a true Patriarch he has become. He reminds me of our Opa.) Fading too is the magic of childhood. I'm not so naive as to trust everyone anymore. The world is full of corruption with people trying to be more than equals. Terrorism, and economics, and disease... .The generation before us is disappearing. And now even our own generation has a hole in it. But for Richard, in the infancy of eternal life, it's magical again. No, Miraculous! Rick Feddema

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Rose McCallum posted a condolence

Thursday, May 2, 2013

With Heartfelt Sympathy to your Family.I work with Dave and have followed the blog faithfully, Many prayers and tears while reading. My father passed away August 27th,2005. He was 85. I was fortunate to have him for all those years. Dave said to me his Dad will be really missed. " Those we love, don't go away, they walk beside us everyday. Their memories remain in our heart forever. May loving memories heal your pain" Times of grief, come to us all,The hurt too much to bear, but remember God's everlasting love, and that he is always near. Rose

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Carolyn Hall posted a condolence

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Ivan and family; Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. May you find strength and hope in your memories.

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Charles Bryan posted a condolence

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Peace and Perfection is what Richard Vander Deen knows now. What a gift. What a family he has given us. God sent us an angel and Richard has blessed so many and given so many people Faith. A beautiful, kind and strong role model for his children and grand children. The ripple effect of his love emulates God's love. Mr. Vander Deen will be Forever honoured, loved and remembered. Our deepest sympathy, Charles and the Bryan family.

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Audrey d.V. Spoelstra posted a condolence

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Dear Barb. Our hearts are hurting for you and your family as you had to say goodbye to Richard. Your neice Sandra shared this sad news with us . We were just reflecting the other day that you too would be married 31 years on May 1st. Hold on to the glorious hope that lies in our future (heaven)and put your trust in God. We will keep you close to our hearts in the days ahead trusting that Gods people will surround you with what you need.

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Charles and Carol Eleveld posted a condolence

Tuesday, April 30, 2013

So sorry to hear of Richard's passing. We have been reading his blog and know he is with our Lord. His blog has inspired so many people (even people who did not know him personally. His writings were a gift (inspiration) for us. May God continue to hold you in this time of sorrow.

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Katie Jane Dekker posted a condolence

Monday, April 29, 2013

Uncle Richard was a really great guy. His laugh is the most memorable and contagious thing in the world. I remember at Dekker camping I would be lying in my bed trying to sleep but it was pretty much impossible with his bellowing laugh coming in full force from three campsites down. He would always take the time to make sure that I wasn't bored or left out while camping or at his house by teaching me different card games or board games and asking me about school. I always really loved that about him, because all of my cousins were older and were busy a lot but Uncle Richard always had time to make sure I was not bored. When I turned 13 I was allowed to start wearing make up and the first time I did was to Grandma and Grandpas wedding anniversary and when Uncle Richard came in he gave be a big hug and told me I looked absolutely beautiful. That was always really important to me because I used to be so self conscience. He was a great example and a great warrior of the faith. I am glad that now Jessica has someone with her up there to tell her about all she has missed so far and to be with her. I will miss him.

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Trudy & Gerald Schuit, from Schuit Plastering & Stucco Inc posted a condolence

Monday, April 29, 2013

Dear family, And dearly our thoughts have been with your family in the past months of anxiety. Reading blogs and discussing with Dave the events, progress and setbacks. We do marvel the spiritual strength of your family. We are saddened at the news of Richards passing. Everyone that knew of this prayed for his health to return,, prayed trusting in God,,, god did answer,,, differently than we hoped. Richard is now in perfect health! Our condolences to you all and especially Dave and Bethany, whom we talked with much regarding Richard,,, The Lord be with you all in a special way and measure! Christian love to you all. Trudy and Gerald Schuit

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Teresa Hoekstra posted a condolence

Monday, April 29, 2013

Thinking of you Barb in this time of great loss. Our condolences to you and your family. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Teresa

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Richard Vander Deen

1961 - 2013

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