Tribute Wall
Plant a tree in memory of Rodney
An environmentally friendly option
Provide comfort for the family by sending flowers or planting a tree in memory of Rodney VanderVaart.
Guaranteed hand delivery by a local florist
Loading...
L
Linda Vandervaart posted a condolence
Tuesday, March 2, 2021
"The Love of My Life"
Before I met Rodney, I just existed for my family and career. I fell head over heels in love with Rodney. With butterflies in my stomach and my heart pounding in my chest, he did the most honorable deed, he proposed and we got married. I have so many wonderful memories of Rodney. I couldn't help but, admire his genuine love and loyalty to family and friends. He was an exceptionable role model, great wisdom and advice. Rod's great qualities always surfaced when I needed them the most. But most of all I'll always thank God for this humble and courageous man that helped me be a better human being.
I'll always love you Rodney
My angel husband
I pray to be with you in heaven
m
meyer lansky posted a condolence
Sunday, February 7, 2021
I worked with Rod at the Tacoma Elks
Great guy great bartender.
H
Harold Olsoy posted a condolence
Tuesday, February 2, 2021
Rodney and I joined metro same time,1994, during some of our breaks we would go to McDonald's, later year's we would work overtime on one Friday before shakeup, we went many times to the all u can eat at 155th n Aurora Chinese, we had many awesome conversations , wish I could have more. Take care, deepest condolences Love Harold
2
The family of Rodney VanderVaart uploaded a photo
Friday, October 30, 2020
/tribute-images/5161/Ultra/Rodney-VanderVaart.jpeg
Please wait
8
The family of Rodney VanderVaart uploaded a photo
Friday, October 30, 2020
/tribute-images/5162/Ultra/Rodney-VanderVaart.jpeg
Please wait
5
The family of Rodney VanderVaart uploaded a photo
Friday, October 30, 2020
/tribute-images/5163/Ultra/Rodney-VanderVaart.png
Please wait
f
The family of Rodney VanderVaart uploaded a photo
Friday, October 30, 2020
/tribute-images/5155/Ultra/Rodney-VanderVaart.jpg
Please wait
2
The family of Rodney VanderVaart uploaded a photo
Friday, October 30, 2020
/tribute-images/5156/Ultra/Rodney-VanderVaart.jpg
Please wait
a
The family of Rodney VanderVaart uploaded a photo
Friday, October 30, 2020
/tribute-images/5157/Ultra/Rodney-VanderVaart.jpg
Please wait
3
The family of Rodney VanderVaart uploaded a photo
Friday, October 30, 2020
/tribute-images/5158/Ultra/Rodney-VanderVaart.jpg
Please wait
3
The family of Rodney VanderVaart uploaded a photo
Friday, October 30, 2020
/tribute-images/5159/Ultra/Rodney-VanderVaart.jpg
Please wait
3
The family of Rodney VanderVaart uploaded a photo
Friday, October 30, 2020
/tribute-images/5160/Ultra/Rodney-VanderVaart.jpg
Please wait
d
The family of Rodney VanderVaart uploaded a photo
Friday, October 30, 2020
/tribute-images/5149/Ultra/Rodney-VanderVaart.jpg
Please wait
a
The family of Rodney VanderVaart uploaded a photo
Friday, October 30, 2020
/tribute-images/5150/Ultra/Rodney-VanderVaart.jpg
Please wait
e
The family of Rodney VanderVaart uploaded a photo
Friday, October 30, 2020
/tribute-images/5151/Ultra/Rodney-VanderVaart.jpg
Please wait
2
The family of Rodney VanderVaart uploaded a photo
Friday, October 30, 2020
/tribute-images/5152/Ultra/Rodney-VanderVaart.jpg
Please wait
5
The family of Rodney VanderVaart uploaded a photo
Friday, October 30, 2020
/tribute-images/5153/Ultra/Rodney-VanderVaart.jpg
Please wait
c
The family of Rodney VanderVaart uploaded a photo
Friday, October 30, 2020
/tribute-images/5154/Ultra/Rodney-VanderVaart.jpg
Please wait
a
The family of Rodney VanderVaart uploaded a photo
Friday, October 30, 2020
/tribute-images/5144/Ultra/Rodney-VanderVaart.jpg
Please wait
e
The family of Rodney VanderVaart uploaded a photo
Friday, October 30, 2020
/tribute-images/5145/Ultra/Rodney-VanderVaart.jpg
Please wait
d
The family of Rodney VanderVaart uploaded a photo
Friday, October 30, 2020
/tribute-images/5146/Ultra/Rodney-VanderVaart.jpg
Please wait
d
The family of Rodney VanderVaart uploaded a photo
Friday, October 30, 2020
/tribute-images/5147/Ultra/Rodney-VanderVaart.jpg
Please wait
2
The family of Rodney VanderVaart uploaded a photo
Friday, October 30, 2020
/tribute-images/5148/Ultra/Rodney-VanderVaart.jpg
Please wait
e
The family of Rodney VanderVaart uploaded a photo
Friday, October 30, 2020
/tribute-images/5143/Ultra/Rodney-VanderVaart.jpg
Please wait
B
Bobbie posted a condolence
Friday, October 2, 2020
I just love that family picture of all of you so young. Uncle Hank, Aunt Ida, Sue, you (Debbie), and Rod.
B
Bobbie posted a condolence
Friday, October 2, 2020
Rodney was my best male cousin. I knew him best when I was very young. Rodney always made happy and showed me so much attention. His memory will always be with me. Love Cousin Bobbie Howard.
J
Jerry Parker posted a condolence
Tuesday, June 2, 2020
Dear Cuz,
I have been thinking about the great times we had as kids on American Lake in Lakewood, Washington, when my family moved us from Utah and we moved in with your family temporarily. We fished off the dock, swamis the lake, played kid games, and argued over kid things. What fun we had. You were like the brother we didn't have until Paul came along.
If Marsha was here to write a memory, she would tell you how much she appreciated you giving her the "Oahu tour" while you were stationed in Hawaii and she was there on her vacation. You were the kind, considerate "brother" she had a fun time with seeing the sights of the island with her tall, handsome cuz.
You will be truly missed until we meet again. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Linda, your kids, your sister,Debi, and the rest of your family members who have loved you.
Cousin Jerry Parker
"Heaven is not a prize for the perfect, but the future home of all who
are willing to be perfected."
Brad Wilcox
T
Tamara Clark posted a condolence
Tuesday, June 2, 2020
Uncle Rod was like a jolly giant with an easy smile and hearty laugh, he will be missed. :heart:
D
Dave Penrod posted a condolence
Thursday, April 2, 2020
My prayers go out to Rod's family and all who love him.
I will always remember my conversations on a variety of subjects with him. I always enjoyed hearing his views on things.
I knew it would always be a fun time with him at the billiards table and I will really miss not being able to have him with us at the Elks.
G
Gwen Doxey posted a condolence
Thursday, April 2, 2020
I was so sorry to hear about Rodney's passing. Since hearing about it on the 13th I have been thinking about my memories of him which are mostly as children and as young adults. As cousins, we both grew up in Tacoma, Washington. Our family would visit his when they lived on base at Ft. Lewis or they would visit us when we lived on North Winnifred Street. It was always fun to get together and play. Later when his family moved to Tacoma we attended the same high school (Wilson) where he was 2 years older than me. I remember various friends and classmates making comments about my tall, good-looking cousin. And he was! But as I thought of him during those years and later, the things that stood out in my memory was his wonderful smile. It took up his entire face - even his eyes would smile at you. Whenever we would see each other after some time had passed, he always had the biggest smile and welcoming hug and I felt like he was truly happy to see me and catch up on life. He had such a good nature about him and I will remember him affectionately as a kind and happy cousin who always made me feel that he cared. Although I have not seen him in recent years (shame on me), he will forever hold a soft and memorable spot in my heart! With fondess and love - Gwen
D
Debra Moore posted a condolence
Thursday, April 2, 2020
Gathering of cousins in Utah. Dick and Rod far right. Best Buds throughout the years.Both retired moved next door. The passing of them both is very sad and they will be truly missed.
a
al Speidel posted a condolence
Thursday, April 2, 2020
I will always remember Senior, that is what I would call him. he was such a nice man and had a gentle heart. I knew him from the Elks. We would play 3 cushion billiards together and if I would make a good shot he would say you suckatash, not sure what that meant but I will miss hearing him say that to me. My heart is sadden, he will be missed but never forgotten. He was a great friend
Al Speidel
E
Ertan Tarhan posted a condolence
Monday, March 2, 2020
God damn! God damn! These were his words when he had missed a point so close while playing 3 cushion billiards. Since we were very good friends, I was teasing him and saying loudly God damn, God damn! when I missed a point and we were all laughing and enjoying even the missing points! He was always so excited about the game and I have never ever seen him down in the game. He always did his best and sometimes when I was shooting, he was even trying to have my points missed by pedaIing with his feet from his chair :) I always admire his excitement and enthusiasm for the game. Rodney, you will be greatly missed! Ertan Tarhan
D
Darrel Stutesman posted a condolence
Monday, March 2, 2020
Dear Rodney i pray you are in Heaven where you can make all those wonderful billiard shots! You will always be missed by your friends. If i make it to Heaven lets play another game. We will look after young Rod!! Darrel "Stutes" Stutesman
D
Duane Kraft posted a condolence
Sunday, February 2, 2020
Rod was a beautiful man, both inside and out. We played lots of billiards over the years and I would always tell him "Rod, you should be a male model - can I be your agent?" Rod, we'll all miss you - save a place for me up there. Duane Kraft
E
Edgar Solorzano posted a condolence
Thursday, January 2, 2020
More than a co worker,a very true friend, with his personalized unique smile, my big good friend, you will be greatly missed, Mr. Vandervaart. ES.
E
Ed Brasfield posted a condolence
Thursday, January 2, 2020
To the Rodney Vandervvart family and friends, on behalf of the Tacoma Billiard Federation, (which Rodney was a part of for many years) and fellow pool players, along with many Elk member friends, we extend our deepest sympathy, our prayers and Hugs
For each of you.
Let me share with you one "thing" that Rodney always did when competing a game of 3 cushion Billiards. With this game being so difficult to score a point, most players encourage a shot that is about to be made, BUT Rodney's leg at the last second would almost always snap forward about 2 feet as if trying to kick the scoring ball away. A lot of us would tease him about that KICK and he would just sheepishly smile and not say anything. As all of us know, Rodney way a big man and yet he bought the smallest car made. A SMAT CAR and when he first bought it and showed up at the Elks club with it, some of us when out to see "how he fit into it".
Rodney, you will be missed
Ed Brasfield
Billiard Chairman
m
meyer lansky posted a condolence
Friday, July 26, 2019
I worked with Rod at the Tacoma Elks
Great guy great bartender.
L
Linda Vandervaart posted a condolence
Wednesday, February 27, 2019
"The Love of My Life"
Before I met Rodney, I just existed for my family and career. I fell head over heels in love with Rodney. With butterflies in my stomach and my heart pounding in my chest, he did the most honorable deed, he proposed and we got married. I have so many wonderful memories of Rodney. I couldn't help but, admire his genuine love and loyalty to family and friends. He was an exceptionable role model, great wisdom and advice. Rod's great qualities always surfaced when I needed them the most. But most of all I'll always thank God for this humble and courageous man that helped me be a better human being.
I'll always love you Rodney
My angel husband
I pray to be with you in heaven
H
Harold Olsoy posted a condolence
Tuesday, February 26, 2019
Rodney and I joined metro same time,1994, during some of our breaks we would go to McDonald's, later year's we would work overtime on one Friday before shakeup, we went many times to the all u can eat at 155th n Aurora Chinese, we had many awesome conversations , wish I could have more. Take care, deepest condolences Love Harold
B
Bobbie posted a condolence
Friday, February 22, 2019
I just love that family picture of all of you so young. Uncle Hank, Aunt Ida, Sue, you (Debbie), and Rod.
B
Bobbie posted a condolence
Friday, February 22, 2019
Rodney was my best male cousin. I knew him best when I was very young. Rodney always made happy and showed me so much attention. His memory will always be with me. Love Cousin Bobbie Howard.
J
Jerry Parker posted a condolence
Monday, February 18, 2019
Dear Cuz,
I have been thinking about the great times we had as kids on American Lake in Lakewood, Washington, when my family moved us from Utah and we moved in with your family temporarily. We fished off the dock, swamis the lake, played kid games, and argued over kid things. What fun we had. You were like the brother we didn't have until Paul came along.
If Marsha was here to write a memory, she would tell you how much she appreciated you giving her the "Oahu tour" while you were stationed in Hawaii and she was there on her vacation. You were the kind, considerate "brother" she had a fun time with seeing the sights of the island with her tall, handsome cuz.
You will be truly missed until we meet again. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Linda, your kids, your sister,Debi, and the rest of your family members who have loved you.
Cousin Jerry Parker
"Heaven is not a prize for the perfect, but the future home of all who
are willing to be perfected."
Brad Wilcox
T
Tamara Clark posted a condolence
Monday, February 18, 2019
Uncle Rod was like a jolly giant with an easy smile and hearty laugh, he will be missed. :heart:
D
Dave Penrod posted a condolence
Saturday, February 16, 2019
My prayers go out to Rod's family and all who love him.
I will always remember my conversations on a variety of subjects with him. I always enjoyed hearing his views on things.
I knew it would always be a fun time with him at the billiards table and I will really miss not being able to have him with us at the Elks.
G
Gwen Doxey posted a condolence
Saturday, February 16, 2019
I was so sorry to hear about Rodney's passing. Since hearing about it on the 13th I have been thinking about my memories of him which are mostly as children and as young adults. As cousins, we both grew up in Tacoma, Washington. Our family would visit his when they lived on base at Ft. Lewis or they would visit us when we lived on North Winnifred Street. It was always fun to get together and play. Later when his family moved to Tacoma we attended the same high school (Wilson) where he was 2 years older than me. I remember various friends and classmates making comments about my tall, good-looking cousin. And he was! But as I thought of him during those years and later, the things that stood out in my memory was his wonderful smile. It took up his entire face - even his eyes would smile at you. Whenever we would see each other after some time had passed, he always had the biggest smile and welcoming hug and I felt like he was truly happy to see me and catch up on life. He had such a good nature about him and I will remember him affectionately as a kind and happy cousin who always made me feel that he cared. Although I have not seen him in recent years (shame on me), he will forever hold a soft and memorable spot in my heart! With fondess and love - Gwen
D
Debra Moore posted a condolence
Saturday, February 16, 2019
Gathering of cousins in Utah. Dick and Rod far right. Best Buds throughout the years.Both retired moved next door. The passing of them both is very sad and they will be truly missed.
a
al Speidel posted a condolence
Saturday, February 16, 2019
I will always remember Senior, that is what I would call him. he was such a nice man and had a gentle heart. I knew him from the Elks. We would play 3 cushion billiards together and if I would make a good shot he would say you suckatash, not sure what that meant but I will miss hearing him say that to me. My heart is sadden, he will be missed but never forgotten. He was a great friend
Al Speidel
E
Ertan Tarhan posted a condolence
Friday, February 15, 2019
God damn! God damn! These were his words when he had missed a point so close while playing 3 cushion billiards. Since we were very good friends, I was teasing him and saying loudly God damn, God damn! when I missed a point and we were all laughing and enjoying even the missing points! He was always so excited about the game and I have never ever seen him down in the game. He always did his best and sometimes when I was shooting, he was even trying to have my points missed by pedaIing with his feet from his chair :) I always admire his excitement and enthusiasm for the game. Rodney, you will be greatly missed! Ertan Tarhan
D
Darrel Stutesman posted a condolence
Friday, February 15, 2019
Dear Rodney i pray you are in Heaven where you can make all those wonderful billiard shots! You will always be missed by your friends. If i make it to Heaven lets play another game. We will look after young Rod!! Darrel "Stutes" Stutesman
D
Duane Kraft posted a condolence
Thursday, February 14, 2019
Rod was a beautiful man, both inside and out. We played lots of billiards over the years and I would always tell him "Rod, you should be a male model - can I be your agent?" Rod, we'll all miss you - save a place for me up there. Duane Kraft
E
Edgar Solorzano posted a condolence
Wednesday, February 13, 2019
More than a co worker,a very true friend, with his personalized unique smile, my big good friend, you will be greatly missed, Mr. Vandervaart. ES.
E
Ed Brasfield posted a condolence
Wednesday, February 13, 2019
To the Rodney Vandervvart family and friends, on behalf of the Tacoma Billiard Federation, (which Rodney was a part of for many years) and fellow pool players, along with many Elk member friends, we extend our deepest sympathy, our prayers and Hugs
For each of you.
Let me share with you one "thing" that Rodney always did when competing a game of 3 cushion Billiards. With this game being so difficult to score a point, most players encourage a shot that is about to be made, BUT Rodney's leg at the last second would almost always snap forward about 2 feet as if trying to kick the scoring ball away. A lot of us would tease him about that KICK and he would just sheepishly smile and not say anything. As all of us know, Rodney way a big man and yet he bought the smallest car made. A SMAT CAR and when he first bought it and showed up at the Elks club with it, some of us when out to see "how he fit into it".
Rodney, you will be missed
Ed Brasfield
Billiard Chairman
SERVICE AREA
_____________________
King - Pierce - Kitsap
Thurston - Mason
Lewis - Grays Harbor
Jefferson - Pacific
