Robert Oosterbaan, Sr.

If variety is the spice of life, then you could say Bob Oosterbaan’s life was one of the most flavorful ever lived. Bob was a man who was passionate about many things, but he let none of them define him. Rather, he set out with an open mind and chose to define what his life would be on his own terms. He succeeded, because it’s apparent when examining his life as a whole that Bob can only be labeled as he wanted to be: a family-centered and caring man. He’s left impressions on countless people, and will be greatly missed.

The 1920’s were precariously placed in-between two of the most violently changing periods in American history; WWI and its aftermath, the “Roaring Twenties”, and the Great Depression. America wasn’t the only country on the brink of change however; Europe was roiling with events firmly based in nationalism and the quest for power, which would later manifest as the impetus for WWII. Amidst these uncertain times, and exactly a week after Mussolini invaded Italy on January 3rd 1925, Robert Lawrence was born to Bert and Hazel (Bush) Oosterbaan.

In trying times, a man can be measured by his unwavering faith in God and his ability to work hard despite questionable circumstances. This applies in droves to Bob’s family during his childhood. He and his sister Beatrice were brought up with a profound respect for God and the church, and from these lessons gained a broad and fair perspective on things. Because of the Depression especially, Bob learned from a young age the importance of hard work and family, as well as staying humble, and it never left him. He lived a comfortable life, considering the times, and worked hard. He worked as a paper boy for his neighborhood and enjoyed riding and jumping horses. Bob had a caring eye for the horses, and would spend as much time as possible outdoors with them. Little did Bob know however, that someone on his newspaper route was trying to catch his eye.

Bob met her in school, and found out that he had been delivering papers to her parent’s house for years. This girl, Vivian, had been drawn to Bob because of his good looks, and soon got to know him well. She captured his heart and they fell in love. Bob knew this was the girl for him, and so they were married in Holland on June 22, 1945 at the Sixth Reformed Church.

During their first years as a married couple, Bob and Vivian lived in a place rented to them by their friends Ben and Janet. The two couples would remain friends their whole lives. Bob and Vivian modeled their lives and the lives of their five children after the ideals fostered in them since childhood. The importance of family and an appreciation for God were both central themes in the lives of both Bob, Vivian, and their kids. Bob was a member of Trinity Reformed Church, and would insist that his family not only attend church regularly, but also sit in the front row of the balcony.

Another aspect of life that carried over from Bob’s childhood was his love of the outdoors.He was an Eagle Scout who remained involved in Scouting and earned the prestigious Silver Beaver award. He was a Scout Leader at Sixth Reformed Church, Fist Reformed Church and Maplewood Reformed Church. He enjoyed activities such as building and racing canoes. When Holland flooded, you could bet Bob’s kids were floating down 19th street in his handmade canoe. He also enjoyed wood working and in later years wood carving.

He had many jobs over the years, and his career was an area where Bob loved variety. He did such things as own his own shoe repair business, work at Jobber’s Grocery, work as a self-employed painter and decorator, and worked for Parke Davis and finally Worden. Vivian stayed home and raised their five children. When the children had grown up, Bob and Vivian had some time to lay back and enjoy some traveling and other activities that had in previous years passed by the wayside.

Bob enjoyed raising basset hounds and entering them in field trials throughout the Midwest. He was very active in the Western Michigan Basset Hound Chapter which he also served as president for many years. Bob was often the head chef on Sundays, grilling up his famous chicken and making pizza’s by hand for many get-togethers. He also made great cinnamon rolls. Bob loved to watch sports on T.V., rooting for his favorite Michigan teams, the Piston, Tigers and Lions.

Unfortunately, Vivian was diagnosed with cancer while working at the Holland Police Department and died in 1988 shortly after her retirement. Bob and Vivian’s close friends, Ben and Janet also struggled with cancer. After both spouses died, Bob and Janet looked to each other for comfort. Not surprisingly, this soon grew from emotional support to love, and Bob and Janet were married on June 30, 1989.

The two enjoyed the same activities they always had, their interest in travel and being outdoors undiminished despite the hardships each had endured. As Bob and Janet’s kids grew up, eventually supplying them with 19 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren, they traveled the nation. On their 10th anniversary they visited Alaska together, and went on a tour of the Western US. They ended up in Coolidge, AZ, where they would spend many winters together.

As Bob grew older, he retained the hobbies he had his whole life, but at the same time became more adventurous with each passing day. He was at heart a religious man, and even though stricken with Alzheimer’s during his old age, he still remembered all the words to the hymns. He loved to carve for hours and to hunt, and cherished his rifles and carvings above most things. He looked forward to the annual pheasant hunt each year in South Dakota. Bob also loved to cook and eat all kinds of food, especially Fricano’s Pizza.

Bob Oosterbaan was a jack of all trades. He lived for others and for the outdoors, and yet still found time for God, for himself, and for time to sit back and smell the roses. His was a life full of love, and he reciprocated it back unfailingly. Bob was a compassionate and understanding person, and a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He is gone, but not forgotten.

Robert Oosterbaan Sr., age 86, of Holland, passed away, Thursday, July 21, 2011, at Resthaven Care Center. Bob was preceded in death by his first wife, Vivian, of 43 years, in 1988 and a son-in-law, Robert Fuston in 2004. Surviving are his wife, Janet of 22 years; children, Robert and Thelma Oosterbaan Jr., Karen and Douglas Van Hekken, Sue Ann and Sammy Wireman, Ronald Oosterbaan and Joey Sexton, Kathy and David Kreager, Nancy Fuston, Linda and James Highstreet, and Gary and Paula Cuperus; 19 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren; several nephews, nieces, and cousins.

Funeral services will be, 10 am Monday, at the Trinity Reformed Church, 712 Apple Ave., with the Rev. Chris De Graaf officiating. Burial will be in Pilgrim Home Cemetery. Visitation will be 4-7 pm Sunday at the Dykstra Funeral Homes-Mulder Chapel, 188 West 32nd Street.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association or Resthaven Care Center.