Robert "Bob" VanDrimmelen Jr.
Will Be Missed
Robert "Bob" VanDrimmelen Jr. died Saturday, June 14, 2008 in Arlington, Texas of complications from an enlarged heart some might say his heart was just too big.Robert was born in Meshed, Iran, the son of Jennie Marie Bekker and Robert VanDrimmelen. He lived the first two years of his life in Meshed and then returned to the United States to live his young life in the Rocky Mountains which he loved. Bob spent his youth camping, hiking, skiing and snowmobiling. He was a graduate of Viewmont High School in Bountiful, Utah where he played on the basketball and football teams. He served as a full time missionary in the Texas South Mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He returned home from his mission to marry the love of his life, Jody Kay Richardson, in the Salt Lake Temple on February 18, 1976. He won her over with his quick smile, his sense of humor and his never ending commitment to the Lord. Theirs was a love and friendship that increased with each passing day of their 32 years of marriage. Bob is the father to five wonderful children, who have memories of family trips to the cabin, snowmobiling, FHE, Scripture study classes, father's interviews and wise council. Bob gave to his family a legacy of service and sacrifice, laughter and love. Although Bob spent many years working on advanced degrees from UNLV and UTA and could have been known as Dr. Van, he preferred to be called "Brother Van". He was a man who loved teaching the youth of the church. He was often called upon to teach at firesides, girls camps, and youth conferences. He often said he was the luckiest man alive because he got to do what he loved for his job every day. He was a full time religious educator and his last assignment was as the Institute Director of the Arlington Institute of Religion and Coordinator of Seminaries and Institutes for the Arlington, Ft. Worth, Weatherford, Colleyville, and Hurst areas.
Bob is survived by his sweetheart, Jody; his children, Jon, Aubrey, Jeff, Debbi, Randi, CJ, Brad, Jennie and BJ; and his 10 grandchildren, Robbie, Joseph, Emily, Rebekah, Adam, Kay, Mary, Kelsey, Spencer and Lisa.
A graveside service and interment will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, June 19, at Lakeview Estates, 1640 E. Lakeview Drive, Bountiful.