Mr. Robert Donald VanderLaan

Robert “Bob” VanderLaan entered into eternal life peacefully and surrounded by family on Tuesday, February, 28, 2017. He was 64 years old. Bob was born to Donald and Betty VanderLaan on August 22, 1952. A native of Grand Rapids, he attended Holy Spirit grade school and West Catholic High School (class of 1970) before accepting a basketball scholarship to the University of Detroit, class of 1974. He later earned his juris doctor degree from the University of Detroit School of Law in 1977, where he was a member of the law review and law review editor. Bob’s ambition in the legal profession led him to national recognition as both an attorney and an educator with the National Institute for Trial Advocacy. He was admitted as an attorney to the Supreme Court of the United States in 1981, was a founding member of the U.S. District Court Historical Society and president of the Federal Bar Association (1996-97). In addition to his legal achievements, Bob also proudly remained active in the Grand Rapids community through his involvement in numerous organizations including the Grand Rapids Jaycees (president, 1986-87), Catholic Secondary School Board, Grand Rapids Usher’s Club, and Kidney Foundation. He was a beloved coach of women’s basketball and an avid golf, squash, and basketball player. Bob is survived in death by his wife of 33 years, B.J.; daughters Elizabeth, Catherine, and Sarah; brothers Ron VanderLaan M.D. and Rod (Emily) VanderLaan; sisters-in-law Belinda (Danny) Green, Maribeth (Phil) Stevenson, and Barbara (Henry) Weeks, and brother-in-law Jim (Kay) Robinson; seventeen nieces and nephews; numerous cousins; and his weimaraner, Buck, whom he adored. He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Betty VanderLaan and beloved dogs, Rex and Cassius. Bob will be fondly remembered by friends and family as a proud father and brother, animated story teller, talented athlete, and tenacious trial lawyer. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in memory of Bob on Monday, March 6 at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Spirit Catholic Church (2230 Lake Michigan Dr. NW, 49504) with Rev. John F. Vallier presiding. Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 5 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Arsulowicz Brothers Remembrance Mortuary (3525 Remembrance Rd NW, 49534) and Monday at church one hour prior.. A rosary will be offered in his name beginning at 7:00 Sunday evening and the family will stay to greet relatives and friends. The family would like to extend their warm gratitude to those who helped care for Bob at the end of his life, especially Doug and Kathi Cooke, the Blood and Marrow Transplant Team, and the caring medical staff at Spectrum Butterworth Hospital. Memorial donations in Bob’s name can be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma society.

Tributes

Mr. Robert Donald VanderLaan

August 22, 1952 - February 28, 2017