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Harvey J. Van Dam age 93, of Zeeland, died Friday, July 30, 2010 at Zeeland Community Hospital.
Harvey was born at the family home on 32nd Ave. south of Hudsonville in Forest Grove. He was a member of Forest Grove Reformed Church which sits on land that was formerly the Van Dam farm. He graduated from Hudsonville High School and went off to Western Michigan College to gain a degree in education which served as his career for 36 years and included positions at the Mitchell School near Hudsonville, followed by 8 years in New Era, Michigan and 23 in the Portage Public Schools. He served as the principal of Lake Center Elementary School for the final 22 years of his career. He was highly respected by his peers, students and their parents. He received State Principal of the Year Honors from the Michigan Association of Elementary Schools Principals in 1973. He retired in 1977 and he and his wife, Eleanor returned to Hudsonville area. Harvey’s long and rich life was filled with love of family, dedication to work, service to his church and community, and fellowship with all who had the privilege of knowing him. He served as deacon and elder at Portage First Reformed Church and was a charter member, steering committee member and elder at Southridge Reformed Church when that church was formed in 1960.
He was preceded in death by his daughter-in-law, Nancy Van Dam, and 6 siblings.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Eleanor; children, Carole and Richard Tompkins of Silver Lake, Dave Van Dam of Schoolcraft; 2 grandsons, Chad Van Dam, Matt and Heidi Van Dam, great grandson, Jack Van Dam; sister, Julia Finlay of Sturgis; in-laws, Judy and Mike Keefe of Marne; many nieces and nephews
Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 4, 2010 at Forest Grove Reformed Church, 1630 32nd Ave. Hudsonville with Revs. Judson Marvel and James Ikerd officiating. Burial will be in Forest Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Tuesday at the Yntema Funeral Home, 251 South State St. Zeeland. The family asks that in lieu of flowers that memorial contributions can be made to the Forest Grove Reformed Church Building Fund or Love INC of Hudsonville where both he and Ellie volunteer work.
to Mr. VanDam's family:
I remember Mr. VanDam as our principal when I was a very young child at New Era Public School. I also played with David VanDam now and then, way back then. I'm 63 now, and all 7 of us went through New Era Public. He was a good principalm and nice man, from what I recall.
Tom Bratsburg, Dorr, MI
Sent by tom bratsburg on Thu, 12 Aug 2010 16:40:50 -0400
Dearest Eleanor, Dave, and family,
I was saddened to hear of Harv's passing. I was fortunate to be able to do my student teaching at Lake Center under Harv. I still remember the times he had to go out and jump my car battery because I kept leaving my lights on, but he never complained. When I moved on to Milham, I was able to teach with Eleanor. When we had school socials, I enjoyed getting together with Harv. He made a tremendous impact on my teaching career and he will always be in my heart. My prayers go out to you in love and respect for you all.
May God grant you peace and comfort at this time.
Love,
Sandy
Sent by Sandy Cline on Tue, 03 Aug 2010 16:26:06 -0400
We are thinking of you and wishing we could take away the hard work of grief for you.
Sent by Kristen Ossim on Mon, 02 Aug 2010 23:49:33 -0400
Dear Eleanor and family,
I served with Harve at Lake Center School in Portage for several years. He was a great man and much loved. My prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Marylin DeYoung
Former Kindergarten teacher
Sent by Marylin DeYoung on Mon, 02 Aug 2010 10:28:02 -0400
Dear Carole and Rich,
Like many other, we are saddened at the loss of your father and want you to know that we share your sense of grief.
You must be able to take some consolation in the knowledge that your father is now with God enjoying greater peace.
On behalf of NHSACA, Chris, Jerry,and Jamey,I extend our sincerest sympathy, trusting that remembrance by so many friends will bring you comfort.
Sent by James & Christine Okler on Sun, 01 Aug 2010 14:17:32 -0400
Our prayers are with your entire family as you go through this difficult time. We enjoyed Harvey - especially on the trip to Mackinac.
Sent by Frank and Pat Schramm on Sat, 31 Jul 2010 12:10:23 -0400
Dear Carole,Rich and family,
Our sincere sympathy on the loss of your father.
Bessings on you all,
Gary and Cheri Michael
Sent by Cheri Michael on Sat, 31 Jul 2010 08:59:55 -0400
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