JACK VANDERLAAN
Jack Vanderlaan, age 84, longtime Langley resident, passed away at his home on Thursday, September 14, 2017.
Mr. Vanderlaan was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan on December 3, 1932. To all those who met, knew and loved Jack, please be comforted in knowing he is now singing with the angels (and teaching them a thing or two about the proper vocalizing technique) as he spent several decades sharing his beautiful voice with thousands of audiences throughout the USA, including Broadway exposure.
Time in the Navy interrupted that career for several years, serving during the Korean War on the USS Essex. He then served twenty years as a fireman in L.A. County, which evolved into Arson Investigator and then private practice. Recently, his sons, Eric and Brian and daughter-in-law Cheryl spent precious time with Jack, who struggled to live with serious cardiac issues with the help of his adoring wife Betsy. All Jack’s friends and “people” will greatly miss his humor and wisdom.
Jack will be laid to rest in a private ceremony at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent. Family and friends are encouraged to share memories and condolences at www.whidbeymemorial.com.