- Date Of Birth: December 6, 1922
- Date Of Death: September 16, 2010
- State: Michigan
VAN DIS, ROBERT W. OF KALAMAZOO Robert Wayne Van Dis, age 87, died peacefully at Rose Arbor Hospice on September 16, 2010. He was born on December 6, 1922 in Kalamazoo. Bob was preceded in death by his first wife, Mary Elizabeth Van Dis.
He is survived by his second wife, Kathryn N.Van Dis, son, William Susan Van Dis, daughter, Mary Beth Ken Bauman, step daughter, Michele McLaughlin, grandsons, Andrew Emily Van Dis, Daniel Van Dis, Ken Bauman and Kevin Bauman, and great granddaughters, Isabella and Abbigale Van Dis. After serving in the Army during World War II, Bob graduated from Hope College and returned to Kalamazoo to become a co-owner in the family business, V&A Bootery. He spent his entire career at V&A, working proudly along side his father, Bill, brother, Howard, special cousin, Mel and later, son, Bill. He was a faithful supporter of First Reformed Church, serving in many capacities including Sunday School teacher and consistory member.
Bob was a member of Second Reformed Church at the time of his death. He served on the boards of Camp Geneva, Western Theological Seminary and Central Park Chapel and was a president of the Southwest Michigan Classis of the Reformed Church in America. Bob loved his community. He served Vineyard Outreach Ministry and Ministry with Community as a volunteer and board member.
He was president of the board of both the Voluntary Action Center and the Downtown Kalamazoo Association and a member of the board of the Kalamazoo Chamber of Commerce. Hope College presented Bob with a Meritorious Service Award in 1995 and the Hope for Humanity Award in 2002. He also received the Kalamazoo Community Leadership “STAR” Sharing Time and Resources Award in 1995.
