Dr. Thomas Bander

Dr. Thomas S. Bander passed quietly into the loving arms of God early on the morning of Saturday, July 21, 2007. His parents, Samuel and Jamille Bander; his brother, George; and two sister-in-laws, Emily Bander and Georgette Abraham precede him in death. He is survived by his wife of sixty years, Dolores Bander (nee Abraham); son, Dr. Samuel (Wendie) Bander; daughter, Jackie (Paul) Solberg; and brother, Nicholas (Virginia) Bander. His grandchildren, Tom and Jennie Bander, Rebecca, Matt, and Eric Solberg; his brothers-in-law, Abe (Adele) Abraham, Jim Abraham, and Wade (Margaret) Abraham; numerous nieces and nephews; and a large extended family, also survive him. Born in 1924 in Grand Rapids, he graduated from South High School in 1942 and the University Of Michigan School Of Dentistry in 1948. He served his country as a private in the U.S. Army during World War II and later as a captain in the US Air Force during the Korean War. Tom was a simple man with many passions. He was passionate about his faith and his church, St. Nicholas Antiochian Church. He was passionate about his family and friends with whom he always shared a joke. He was passionate about the University of Michigan. A lifelong season ticket holder, he and his family spent many happy Saturday afternoons with Bo and the boys in the big house. He was passionate about his profession, Dentistry. He often quipped, "Be true to your teeth, or they will be false to you". He was a leader in his field, serving as President of both the Kent County Dental Society and the West Michigan Dental Society. His dental career spanned over 50 years and he served as a professional mentor to his son, Sam, a practicing dentist, and his daughter, Jackie, a dental hygienist. Tom loved Golf and had many wonderful friends at Cascade Hills Country Club, Blythefield Country Club, and Ironwood Country Club in Palm Desert, CA. He also loved the music of Frank Sinatra. Donations may be made to St. Nicholas Antiochian Orthodox Church. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Trisagion service will be held at 8:30 p.m. at O'Brien-Gerst Funeral Home, 3980 Cascade Rd. SE. Viewing from 9 to 10 a.m. on Thursday at St. Nicholas Antiochian Orthodox Church, 2250 East Paris, followed by a 10:00 a.m. funeral service. In the words of Ol' Blue Eyes, "The best is yet to come" O'Brien Eggebeen Gerst