Tad Vandervoort, Sr.

Tad Doerr VanderVoort, Sr., age 75 of Battle Creek, died Sunday, January 11, 2015 at Bronson Battle Creek. He was born July 17, 1939 in Battle Creek, Michigan the son of John Gunning and Betty Jane (Doerr) VanderVoort. Tad was a 1957 graduate of Lakeview High School and had attended Western Michigan University, Michigan State University and Central Michigan University earning a Bachelor’s Degree in History and Master’s Degree in Biology. He taught at Lakeview High School for 35 years prior to his retirement. On August 13, 1961 he was married to Janice E. Brenner, who survives. Also surviving are four children: William Vincent (Laura) VanderVoort II, Jacqueline Elizabeth VanderVoort, John Gunning (Tammy) VanderVoort II and Tad Doerr VanderVoort, Jr.; seven grandchildren: William Vincent (Laura) III and Betsy Nicole VanderVoort; Nicole Danielle Felice; Sierra Lynn, Grant Gunning, Jared John and Travis Vincent VanderVoort; two great-grandchildren: Brenner Daniel and Abigail Renee VanderVoort; and one sister Judy Bruce. Tad was preceded in death by his parents and one son, Daniel Brenner VanderVoort. In accordance with his wishes, cremation has taken place and a small private family service has been held. Tad volunteered countless hours of his free time to the Lakeview Kiwanis Outdoor Center's preservation and upkeep. The thousands he taught will remember him for his kindness and passion for the wilderness and all things in nature. He adventured several times to one of his favorite places "Beaver Island" educating young and old alike how to survive strictly off the land.  Tad's philosophy was to enjoy nature and always leave it better than you found it.  He often expressed his favorite teachings “Everything is Connected to Everything Else." and "Do what you love and do what you’re good at ". He has touched many lives and will be deeply missed and fondly remembered. Arrangements by the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home. www.henryfuneralhome.org

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