Roy VanDam

DAM Roy Edward Van Dam, aged 81, of Grandville, passed away peacefully on July 25, 2008. Roy proudly served as a Coxswain on an LCT in the United States Navy ("the flat bottom Navy") in World War II. Once discharged, he pursued his interest in motors by becoming a mechanic and riding motorcycles around the country with his friends. A dedicated bachelor, he spent long hours hanging around his friend's motorcycle shop, unaware that he would one day meet his "Darling Wife", Orma (twin sister of the owner's wife). While he courted her for several years, he was, from the start, considered "dad" by Orma's four children. On October 17, 1959, he became officially the husband and father to his newly acquired family. His children affectionately called him a "Toasted Marshmallow" - tough and crusty on the outside, but when you push through the crust, he was all warm and gooey on the inside. Roy had a keen interest in trains, especially steam locomotives, and traveled all across the US with his wife just to ride on some of the more famous ones. He collected paintings, models and other train paraphernalia to the delight and sometimes dismay of his family. In later years, when his health prohibited travel, his greatest joy came from taking his coffee down to the local tracks and sitting with his friends "watching trains". His hobbies included building beautiful wooden boxes for family and friends, watching NASCAR, motorcycle and other automotive races on TV; feeding birds and squirrels in his back yard; and working word puzzles, carrying his latest book and his pen around on a neat clip board. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of almost 49 years, Orma LeVerne (Wiseman), currently residing in Grandville; his brother, Roger Van Dam of Grand Rapids; sister, Marian (Ward) Peterson of Glen Mills, PA; his children, Katherine (James) Loew of Fennville, Patricia Anthony of Grandville, Christine Anthony (David Grubbs) of Raleigh, NC, Stephen (Cynthia) Anthony of Chelsea; his grandchildren, Laura (Allen) Wightman, Philip (Laurie) Loew, David (Dawn) Loew, Erin (Tim) Lightfoot, Stephen Roy Anthony (his namesake); eight great grandchildren, Lisa Wightman, Ashley Wightman, Jacob Loew, Nicholas Loew, Benjamin Loew, Elijah Loew, Samara Loew, Mattea Loew, plus two on the way. He is also survived by many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends who will miss his kind and gentle heart, his wry sense of humor, his steadfast loyalty, his honesty and work ethic. He will be missed. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, 2 p.m. at Matthysse-Kuiper-DeGraaf Funeral Home, (Grandville), 4145 Chicago Dr., with Pastor David P. Loew officiating. Interment Greenwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make memorial contributions to Mel Trotter Ministries or a Veteran's organization of one's choice. Relatives and friends may meet the family Monday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home and Tuesday 1 to 2 p.m. prior to the service. Condolences may be sent online at www.mkdfuneralhome.com. Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf