Gordon Allen VanDyke's Obituary
Big Rapids -- Gordon Allen Van Dyke, 82, of Big Rapids, passed away in his sleep on August 5, 2015. He died of pneumonia at St. Mary's Hospital in Grand Rapids. A lifelong resident of Big Rapids, he lived in the home that he and his wife Patricia had built and lived in throughout their 58 years together. Gordon died peacefully, satisfied that he had led a good life and thankful for his loving family and friends. Gordon was born in Big Rapids on November 8, 1932, to Jacob and Gertrude (Nehmer) Van Dyke. He attended Big Rapids High School and then Ferris Institute until he went to serve at Fort Collins as company clerk during the Korean War. He married Patricia Mehl on January 5, 1957, and they were happily married until his passing. They had three daughters, Kathryn, Debra and Nella. As a young man, Gordon worked at his father and mother's lumber yard, Nehmer Lumber, and played saxophone in a jazz dance band. In 1955, Gordon bought the business from his parents as well as another local lumberyard, which he renamed Cash and Carry. He built them into a thriving business, selling them in 1974. After that he was a travel consultant for several years and worked part time for the lumber yard before retiring. Gordon lived life to the fullest and made many contributions to his community. He enjoyed music his entire life, playing in the Big Rapids Community Band and singing in the Choir at the United Church for many years. He was an avid fly fisherman. For many years he and Pat took annual trips to Montana and Wyoming to fish for trout. Pat and Gord loved travelling, with numerous visits to Florida; Lake Tahoe, CA; and Phoenix, AZ; as well as trips to Europe. Gordon was a very active member of the community, serving as a Director for Old Kent Bank (now Fifth/Third Bank) for nearly 30 years and as a member of the Big Rapids Rotary Club (22 years), and he served as a board member for a number of other Big Rapids organizations. With Pat, he served as the first Co-President of Ferris State University's hockey support group, the Blueline Club, and was a long-time supporter. Gordon enjoyed reading, laughing and having a good time, socializing and spending time with his friends and family. We will miss his conversation, financial advice and great sense of humor. Gordon is survived by his wife, Patricia; three daughters, Kathryn Van Dyke (Kendall Krause), Debra (Chris) Hecker, and Nella Van Dyke (Irenee Beattie); three grandchildren, Patty Krause, Elsa Van Dyke and Sadie Van Dyke; and his sister Joan Musgrave. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 29 at 1:30PM at the United Church in Big Rapids. In lieu of flowers, donations in his honor may be made to the Mecosta County Community Foundation (MCCF, P.O. Box 1012-C, Big Rapids, Michigan 49307).
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