Dr. Richard Vandervelde

Dr. Richard Vandervelde, who was a member of the mathematics
faculty for 33 years until retiring in 2000, died on Friday, Nov. 9, 2018,
at age 80. He joined the faculty in 1967. His tenure at the college included
chairing the Department of Mathematics, chairing the Albert E.
Lampen Mathematics Contest and Conference, and serving the college’s computer center for a time starting in 1975 as “academic ombudsman” (an interim role until a director was appointed). An avid runner, he was a volunteer assistant cross country coach for 12 seasons beginning in 1997.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Phyllis. Survivors include his wife, L. Jane; sons, Michael (Kendra Blank ’95) Vandervelde ’89 and Scott (Stacie) Vandervelde ’92; sister-in-law, Sharon (Jerry) Rhoads; brother-in-law, Keith White; sister-inlaw, Irene White; sister-in-law, Julie (Rob) Leman; step-children, Linda (Eric) Haworth, Mark (Carla) Vogt, Laura Vogt and Brian Vogt; nine grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Richard Vandervelde full obituary

Richard A. Vandervelde, age 80, died on November 9, 2018.

Richard was born in Waxahachie, Texas. His parents, Ben and Fran Vandervelde, were on the faculty of Trinity University. As musicians, they fostered a lifelong interest and participation in music.

Growing up in Indianola, Iowa, he graduated from Indianola High School in 1956. During his high school years, he met Phyllis J. White and they married in 1960. During their almost 45 years of marriage they had two sons, Michael S and Scott D. and 3 grandchildren.

After receiving degrees from Simpson College and The University of Iowa. He joined the faculty of Hope College in 1967 as a member of the Mathematics Department. He remained at Hope College until retirement in 2000. While at Hope, he served a term as Chair of the Mathematics Department. Among other contributions to the department and college, he was a volunteer assistant cross country coach for 12 seasons beginning in 1997.

He was a member of Third Reformed Church in Holland for over 50 years. He served on the consistory and contributed to the tenor section of the choir.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Phyllis; brother, David; and brother-inlaw, Duane White.

He is survived by his wife, L. Jane (Vogt); sons, Michael (Kendra) Vandervelde, Scott (Stacie) Vandervelde; sister-in-law, Sharon (Jerry) Rhoads; brotherin- law, Keith White; sister-in-law, Irene White; sister-in-law, Julie (Rob) Leman; stepchildren, Linda (Eric) Haworth, Mark (Carla) Vogt, Laura Vogt, Brian Vogt; nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

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