Perrry Vanderveen

Perry Martin Vanderveen, a resident of Alto, Michigan, born on December 5, 1938, gracefully departed to be with the Lord on Sunday, March 3, 2024, while surrounded by the warmth and love of his cherished family.

A proud graduate of Lowell High School, Perry's life was also intricately woven with the flowing currents of the Thornapple River, where he spent many of his days.

Throughout his career in the plating industry, Perry not only sold supplies but cultivated lasting friendships with his customers.

Perry found solace and joy in the simple pleasures of life-birdwatching, boating, and, above all, fishing. His many fishing trips with a close-knit group of Cascade friends and countless adventures up north with his beloved wife, Maureen, were cherished memories.

His passions extended to craftsmanship, as evidenced by a boat he skillfully built. He also loved his tractors and most of the time there were two. He and Maureen spent many happy hours riding them around their yard.

In addition to his outdoor pursuits, he enjoyed music, played in a band "The Solitudes" alongside his dear friend Chuck Weston, and highlighted his love for playing the Hammond organ. They entertained crowds at events throughout Grand Rapids, where Perry's love for music was rivaled only by his passion for fishing.

Perry was known for his ingenuity; he could fix just about anything and was always working on various home projects. He also possessed an uncanny sense of direction-a veritable human GPS. Share your destination with him and he would navigate the best route, complete with picturesque backroads and notable landmarks.

His sense of humor was undeniable, as he delighted in telling jokes that will be fondly remembered.

Preceded in death by his parents, Martin and Nellie Vanderveen, Perry is survived by his loving wife of 25 years, Maureen Vanderveen, daughters Lisa Vanderveen and Darcy (Brian) Bruno, grandchildren Alyson (Joe) Ohlenbusch, Katelyn Bruno, and Madison Bruno. He leaves a legacy that continues through his great grandchildren Harris and Leslie Ohlenbusch. He is also survived by stepchildren Paul (Cynthia) Christin, Jane Cook, Karen (Clay) VanderWarf, Chad (Trisha) Christin, 10 step grandchildren and 5 step great grandchildren.

The kindness and compassion of the Corewell Health Hospice of West Michigan team knows no bounds and we cannot express enough appreciation. Contributions in memory of Perry can be made to Corewell Health Foundation, 25 Michigan Street NE, Suite 4100, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503 or online at https://www.corewellhealh.org/foundation/west/donate. Please indicate that you would like your donation to be made in his memory.

In honoring Perry's memory, we celebrate a life well-lived, rich with love, laughter, and an enduring passion for the simple pleasures that brought joy to those around him. May he rest in eternal peace and forever in our hearts.