Paul Van Den Brink ’53

Van Den Brink, Dr. Paul L. Portage Passed away Sunday evening September 4, 2022. Paul was born May 21, 1931 in Holland, MI the son of Raymond and Gertrude (Hop) VanDenBrink.

He was a veteran serving in the U.S. Army following the Korean War. A graduate of Hope College and the University of Michigan School of Medicine, Paul pursued his internship at Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids and his Urological Residency at the Cleveland Clinic before entering his medical practice in Kalamazoo in 1966. Paul was a member of the Kalamazoo County Medical Society, Michigan State Medical Society, American Medical Association, and Fellow American College of Surgeons. During his medical career, he was elected as Chief of Staff of Bronson Hospital.

Paul served the community nearly 40 years until finally retiring in 2004. An active member of Second Reformed Church, Paul also served as a Board Member of the Pine Rest Association, Heritage Community, and the Kalamazoo Symphony.

On August 28, 1957 Paul was united in marriage to his loving wife of 65 years, Kathleen (Rush), who survives. Also surviving are his children, Dr. Suzanne VanDenBrink-Webb ’81 (Dr. William Webb ’80), Dr. Spencer VanDenBrink, Thomas (Goht) VanDenBrink ’88, Robert (Suzanne) VanDenBrink; 6 grandchildren, Jessica Webb-Arner (James), Eric Webb ’15, Katherine VanDenBrink, Elizabeth VanDenBrink, Mali VanDenBrink, Thomas J. VanDenBrink; sisters, Myra Naber, Shirley Groenheide; and several nieces and nephews.