Gary Paul Vander Plaats
October 02, 1959 - December 29, 2021
New Galilee
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Gary Paul Vander Plaats
October 02, 1959 - December 29, 2021
New Galilee
Obituary
Gary Paul Vander Plaats, age 62, New Galilee, entered his heavenly home on December 29, 2021. He rested in the arms of his wife, Jean, until he entered the arms of his heavenly Father. Gary was born on October 2, 1959, in Holland, MI to Gerrit and Frieda (DeVries) Vander Plaats. Frieda went to be with the Lord when Gary was two years old and Gary was raised by his father and stepmother, Jean Vander Plaats (Hofstee), and his eight older siblings.
Gary attended Dordt College, where he met Jean Sybesma, whom he married in 1979. Together, they raised 10 children: Jennifer, Kayla Schaap (Brian), Melissa, Jonathan (Kate), Lisa Feikema (Ross), Jacob, Caleb, Isaiah, Jiana & Shiyan. He found great joy in his granddaughters: Charlotte, Ingrid, Sabine, Fern and Freya. He taught his children to fish, play cards, camp, swing a hammer, and love life. He did nothing in a small way.
He went on to earn advanced degrees and found his calling as a professor, teaching finance, economics, and business at Geneva College. He taught generations of students, often revered as a favorite professor due to his unyielding pursuit of excellence coupled with a humor-laden delivery. Gary’s life was marked with achievements but will be remembered most for his abiding love for the Lord. His faith is an inspiration.
Gary gave the world color through his infectious laughter. His sense of humor is irreplaceable. The Vander Plaats family finds peace in his unswerving faith. He will be greatly missed.
Friends and family will be received on Sunday from 2 pm-5 pm in the Gabauer-Lutton Funeral Home – 117 Blackhawk Rd., Chippewa Twp., www.gabauerfamilyfuneralhomes.com Dr. Vander Plaats will lie in state on Monday from 10 am until the time of the service at 11 am in the Old Main building at Geneva College. Pastor Scott Moreland will officiate.
Private interment will take place in White Church Cemetery.
In honoring Gary’s memory and passion for missions, the family requests memorial contributions for Sacred Road Ministries, a ministry of believers serving the Lord and ministering in indigenous communities of Washington State. The ministry is run by a young man from Gary’s home congregation, Christ Presbyterian Church, and was close to his heart. Memorial contributions will be ear-marked for a new van that is necessary for the work of the mission.
Memorial contributions can be sent at http://sacredroadministries.org/give?form=GivingTuesday (see link below titled "Donations")
Visitation
- Date & Time: January 02, 2022 (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM)
- Venue: Gabauer - Lutton Funeral Home
- Location: 117 Blackhawk Road Beaver Falls, PA 15010 - (Get Directions)
Funeral Service
- Date & Time: January 03, 2022 (10:00 AM - 11:00 AM)
- Venue: Geneva College-Old Main Bldg
- Location: 3200 College Avenue Beaver Falls, PA 15010 - (Get Directions)
Funeral Service
- Date & Time: January 03, 2022 (11:00 AM)
- Venue: Geneva College-Old Main Bldg
- Location: 3200 College Avenue Beaver Falls, PA 15010 - (Get Directions)
4 responses to Gary Paul Vander Plaats
David & Karen Postema says:
December 30, 2021
Such a beautifully written obituary- it captures the essence of who Gary was. He said it best, “the safest place to be is on the hands of God.” We grieve deeply for you Jean, and for your children- our nephews and nieces. While we will miss our dear brother- yet we rejoice because of the promises of our Lord that we will one day be reunited in heaven in the presence of the Lord of lords and the King of kings. Love through Christ our Lord, Aunt Karen and Uncle Dave
Jerry and Claire Hoek says:
December 30, 2021
We were saddened to hear of Gary’s passing to his eternal home and are praying for Jean, the children and all how mourn this far too early loss. We will always remember the camping trips, eating in the rain, the long talks sitting around the campfire, and fishing with your family. Gary made a big impact on our lives and we thank God for his life, his witness and his testimony to the end. We will be praying that God will comfort Gary’s family and give them the peace that goes beyond all understanding in the weeks and months ahead.
Ray and Deb van Boven (Winnipeg, Manitoba) says:
December 31, 2021
Our deepest condolences to Jean and the family on the passing of Gary. We met Gary the fall of 1978 at Dordt College and this was the start of a wonderful and fun friendship. Many hours were spent hanging out together, sharing stories and laughter. He was and always will be an honorary Canadian. Our time together at Dordt and our visits afterward will never be forgotten. To Jean and the family we pray for peace and strength in the days to come.
ROY PHILIP says:
January 3, 2022
My deepest condolences to you Jean and your family. Gary was my classmate in the Doctoral program at Anderson from 2003 – 2009. What a wonderful guy! I miss our friendship. May the good Lord give you comfort in this time of bereavement. Roy Philip