Rick Vander Veen

With a life that spanned times of grief and joy, all who knew Rick VanderVeen will certainly agree that he kept sight of what mattered most through it all. He was a constant source of strength, and he faced every obstacle that came his way with unwavering determination. Nothing made Rick happier than surrounding himself with his family and friends. Deeply loved, Rick will be forever missed by those who knew him best.

Rick was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, welcomed by his overjoyed parents, Bill and Lucille VanderVeen. The youngest of the three VanderVeen children, he was raised in the family home on Graceland Street alongside his older siblings, Jacquelyn and Randy. Rick’s father supported the family by working at Monarch Printing and as a salesman. Rick’s childhood was filled with countless fond memories. As a boy, Rick enjoyed the companionship of a group of neighborhood kids, playing outside year-round; there was sledding at nearby Kent Hills Country Club and skating on a large rink his dad made in the side yard every winter, and in the summer, bike riding took center stage.

Rick was born blind; a long series of surgeries eventually gave him limited vision, but he was legally blind his entire life. He never let this hold him back. His early schooling was in a special program for the blind at Brookside Elementary School; he then attended Riverside Junior High and Creston High School. After graduating high school in 1975, he enrolled in what was then Grand Rapids Junior College. He subsequently graduated with a degree in business from Aquinas College, a feat he was able to accomplish with the assistance of his mom, Lucille, who did much of the necessary reading (aloud) to him.

While attending GRJC, Rick begain working there part time, beginning a long and fulfilling career at the school. After graduating from Aquinas, he was employed full time at GRJC, working his way up to becoming Director of Operations for Ford Fieldhouse, part of what is now Grand Rapids Community College. It was his job to schedule and manage all aspects of events at the fieldhouse, which involved many hours and a lot of relationship building. It became the focus of his life, and he gained the respect of those he worked with. It was a job he enjoyed until retirement at age 63.

Of all the things Rick loved in life, he cherished his family and friends above all else. He was thrilled to welcome his nieces and nephew, Lauren, Corie and Bradd. Rick was a good uncle, providing thoughtful gifts, especially at Christmas. Rick then moved to a condo, where he lived until settling down in Storypoint Forest Hills for more support.

Purchasing the condo brought him a new chapter and new hope in his life, and he took great joy in furnishing it, especially the "cooler" cooking appliances. He enjoyed walks around his developing neighborhood. Unfortunately, health issues cut short the years he had hoped to enjoy there. Rick was a lifelong member of Free Reformed Church, whose members were selflessly helpful to him through his later years. They were always ready to assist him in getting to medical appointments, of which he had many.

Rick had a number of close life-long friends, and others he met through his career at the college. He had help from so many along the way, and they are all deeply appreciated. He had many and significant health issues in his later years that slowed him down and took away some of the things he'd hoped to enjoy in retirement, but he never forgot his friends. Those friends, and his family, will always hold him in their hearts. He was loved.

Rick William VanderVeen entered the arms of his heavenly father on September 12, 2025.Rick was preceded in death by his parents Bill and Lucille VanderVeen. Surviving are his siblings: Jacquelyn (Bennett) West and Randall (Carol) VanderVeen; his nieces and nephew Lauren West, Corie (Colbi) Dykhouse, and Bradd VanderVeen. Funeral services will be held Wednesday September 17, 2025 at 11 A.M. at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home Van Strien-Creston Chapel, 1833 Plainfield Ave, NE Grand Rapids, MI 49505. Interment will be in Fairplains Cemetery. Rick’s family will meet with relatives and friends Wednesday September 17, 2025 at Heritage Life Story Funeral home Van Strien Creston Chapel 1833 Plainfield Ave N.E. Grand Rapids, MI 49505 from 10 A.M. to the start of the service, a small lunch will be served following this service. For those who wish, memorial contributions to Word and Deed or the American Cancer Society would be appreciated. To read more of Rick’s Life Story, share a memory or sign the online register book please visit www.heritagelifestory.com.