Raymond Van Hattem

Young Ray was known as a rebel. Often, you could catch a glimpse of him drag racing down Leonard St.; the thrill of the speed and the love of cars pumping through his veins.

Christofel and Maude (Van Stee) Van Hattem welcomed their little speedster into the world on October 24, 1930 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Little Raymond was the fourth child born of five children. Ray was born into lean times. The Great Depression sunk the heart of American families. Over four million people were unemployed and 1,300 banks collapsed. President Herbert Hoover was struggling to strengthen the economy at home and abroad. But, the spirit of American men and women survived: astronomers discovered Pluto, Virginia Woolf publishes “A Room of One’s Own” on behalf of women’s rights and American Painter Grant Wood completed the final stroke of “American Gothic”. During this time Ray was attending Union High School, however, he decided to drop out and enlist in the Marines in the 11th grade. Always the brave soldier, he was stationed in Korea where he served as a weapons instructor and taught the art of flame throwing.

After the war, Ray came home and resisted settling down. But, in 1959 he could no longer deny that one woman, Joyce Ellen Barber, had stolen his heart. He took her hand in marriage that year and moved into a home on Pine Street. By the time the newlyweds were settling in, the fabric of American life had changed dramatically. People were listening to the cool sounds of Jazz’s Lady Day, Billie Holiday. In January of that year Alaska became the 49th U.S. state and Hawaii soon followed in August. The musical smash, Sound of Music premiered and space-age buzz started when the world learned that the U.S.S.R. set off a rocket into space carrying two monkeys on board.

The Van Hattem family was definitely ruled by Ray—the “meat and potatoes kind of guy.” He had a firm, fatherly way but his great sense of humor balanced his parenting. Even when David and Dale painted the kitchen, cabinets, furniture and even the dog, green, he couldn’t help but laugh! He loved to tell jokes and spent a lot of his time on his favorite hobby: restoring cars. He was skilled in tinkering with the engines, pushing the machinery to its top ability. Young Dale shared a love of mechanics with his father and enjoyed learning from dad. David was a born artist who impressed his family with his natural talent. Ray enjoyed his family life and the happiest two days of his life were when Dale and David, his sons, came into the world.

In his twilight years, Ray belonged to several car clubs, was a proud Teamster member and enjoyed driving a truck for MTS Transport. His pride and joy was his 1968 Cadillac Convertible. He poured his time, love and talent into that car and it shone with the care of a man who truly enjoyed his passion. It wasn’t just the fast cars and mechanics that gave Ray a thrill. His gentle side could take even the lowest person and lift them up, making them feel beautiful in his presence. He had a natural love of people and truly cared. Ray was unique—he drove down his own road in life. He will be remembered warmly and truly missed.

Raymond C. Van Hattem, 72, passed away on Friday, September 26, 2003. He was preceded in death by his son Dale, his brother Paul Van Hattem and his sister, Jean Reminga. Ray is survived by his lifelong friend and mother of his children, Joyce; son David Van Hattem and partner Mark Lewis; grandson, Dale Jr.; brother Robert (Marge) Van Hattem; sister Ruth (Bill) Thiebout; best friends, Clare Loveless and Harold Snip; many cousins, nieces and nephews. Relatives and friends may meet his family at the Van’t Hof Chapel, 851 Leonard St. NW on Tuesday from 7-9 p.m. and one hour prior to the Life Celebration service on Wednesday. The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, October 1, 2003 at the funeral home. Please visit Raymond’s personal web page at where you can share a memory, read his life story or order flowers. Raymond C. Van Hattem had a full life. Like a well cared for Cadillac Convertible, he could race through life at thrilling speeds or slow it down to enjoy the breeze on his face, laugh with his passengers and take the time to enjoy the ride.