In Loving Memory and Reflections

On Tuesday, June 5, 2012  with almost all his children at his side, Gary was taken home to be with the Lord after a two year struggle with multiform glioblastoma brain cancer.

In Loving Memory Of: 

Gary Vandenbrink 

December 24, 1956 - June 5, 2012

Lovingly remembered by:

His wife: Joanne Vandenbrink

His children: 
Michael Vandenbrink
Christine Vandenbrink and David Calderwood (fiancé)
David and Leanne Vandenbrink
Ryan Vandenbrink
Jessica Vandenbrink

His mother: Evelyn Vandenbrink

His brothers and sisters: 
Henny & Rick Fintelman
Steven & Karen Vandenbrink
Mary & Jim Schuit
John & Carol Ann Vandenbrink
Evelyn & Bill Menkveld

His parents in-law: Henk & Gerda Pennings

His in-laws, the Pennings family, and many nieces and nephews

Predeceased by: 
His father, Steven Vandenbrink (2010)


Memorial Service Bethel Free Reformed Church Mitchell, Ontario 

June 9, 2012, 1l:00am

Officiating Minister: Pastor Joel Overduin

Organist: Cindy Vander Heide
Pianist:  Brianna Vander Heide

Pallbearers: Michael Vandenbrink
                      David Vandenbrink
                      Ryan Vandenbrink
                      Steven Vandenbrink
                      John Vandenbrink
                      Dave Wielinga

Order of Service 

Scripture readings:
Jeremiah 29: 11-13;
Romans 8: 1,35,38,39;
Philippians 4: 6,7;
Singing: And Can it Be That I Should Gain
Prayer 
Eulogy: Steven Vandenbrink
Singing: Great is Thy Faithfulness
Scripture reading: Romans 8: 14-30 Message from: Romans 8: 18
Singing: Psalter 187
Prayer 
Singing: Psalter 52
Committal

Everyone was welcome to join the family for a light lunch afterward
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The Children's Reflections of their Dear Dad


     On Tuesday, June 5, 2012 at 9:55 p.m. Dad was called home to be with the Lord.

     Dad has meant a lot to many people, most of all, his dear wife of 27 years and his five loved children.

     Dad was a handyman; down to earth yet extremely intelligent. He worked at Highbury Recreation as an RV service technician for all of his married life, faithfully providing for his family to the very last. He was also an elder of Mitchell Free Reformed Church for many years and a friend to many.

     Dad was a godly example of a father with a strong faith and trust in the Lord. He enjoyed a special sense of humour. When we prepared for a project or vacation, we would hear him say things like, "We need a list so we won't be listless". More than once Dad gave his working, often newer car to one of us kids rather than have us struggle with the cost of vehicle repairs ourselves. He was a generous man and always put his family before himself.

     The last summer before he died, Dad worked hard at finishing the second of two foot bridges at the back of the family farm. He put water and electricity into our horse barn and fixed the rickety barn loft. Dad was very loyal to any project he was involved in and he put his whole heart into everything he did.

     As far back as we can remember, Dad always read to us.This past Mother's Day, he and Jess finished one last book they had been reading together. He was always ready to lend out or suggest a good book to anyone he talked to.

     Dad always took time to explain things to his children and, as it says in Deuteronomy 6:6-9, he taught us about the Lord while he "sat in [his] house, and when [he] walked by the way, and when [he] lay in bed and when [he rose]." He toughened up his children and taught us to work, diligently and to the glory of God.

     From family nights to camping, walks in the bush to plowing through snowdrifts, he will always remain in our hearts and on our minds.

     Dad will be sorely missed.

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Reflections from Joanne

On Tues. July 6, 2010  Gary was diagnosed with a brain tumor. It was a shock for all of us. We knew life would be different for all of us from that point on.  Gary was admitted that same night.

I had been reading in the book of  Psalms at that time for my personal devotions (I have the habit of underlining all the texts that mean something special to me). When I opened my bible one morning after the bad news, I read the last text I had underlined.
I will never forget it.
It read, "Be Still and Know that I AM God."
That was a comfort to me. I knew He was in control and He would be there for us.

The past two years seemed so short and yet they felt so long. So much had happened in those two short years. With surgery, chemo and radiation, trips to the doctors, building bridges and getting all the projects done on his wish list (with the help of many others). Having a second surgery, celebrating his 55th birthday at Christmas, saying, "yes" to David Calderwood when he asked for his daughter Christine's hand in marriage and even speaking at David and Leanne's wedding in February. That was almost  two full years that we were able to  enjoy having Gary with us after his diagnosis.

There were many ups and downs but the ups seem to stand out more then the downs. There were so many blessings that we could see throughout our journey with cancer. God was taking care of us. Gary had changed but he was so at peace and so content  He was never frustrated or angry; he was loving and kind to the end.

I am so thankful that I was able to take care of Gary, nursing and loving him at home and  in his own bedroom right to the day the Lord took him to Himself. I am also glad that we were able to sing several hymns at his bedside the Saturday before God took him home. Gary loved hymns.

I thank God today for all the years He has given me to share with Gary and for all the many good and happy memories we shared together as a family and with friends.
I will continue to trust in God's special promises and lean on Him in the days ahead.

Some of many encouraging words sent to us by email:

...The Lord will give strength to His people,
The Lord will bless His people with peace. Psalm 29:11

...What really is impressed in my mind are the devotional times we had together after supper.
And then we would sing. Those are special times which I don’t think I will forget.--friend of the family

...There isn't a day that I still don't think of Gary as he was a rock of knowledge and wisdom ...he always knew the "right" way to handle any problem or issue and guided and listened...

...I'll remember him as a strong Christian father and gentlemen.  Know that his life and legacy will be cherished by you and by many others.

...He simply would listen, offer heartfelt advice, and I could tell he cared.

...It was a great time to work with Gary all these years and to be able to pray together.

...God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1

A special thanks to God for all the encouraging words, messages and prayers received from hundreds of caring people. And to all those involved in Gary's care whether physical, medical, emotional or spiritual. I will never forget the overwhelming support we received from family, friends, church, neighbours, co-workers, doctors, nurses and even strangers!

My sincere thanks for everything,
Joanne