Arthur J. Vander Voet, 86, lifetime resident of Oak Harbor, died Jan. 13, 2006 at Whidbey Island Manor.

Mr. VanderVoet was born in San de Fuca on Aug. 3, 1919, to Dick Vander Voet and Elsie (Broekhuizen) Vander Voet. Art was actively employed in farming and construction before becoming a cement truck driver for Everett Brothers in 1961. He retired from this position in 1983.

On July 25, 1941, Art married Henrietta Nienhuis. She preceded him in death on Feb. 7, 1972. On Oct. 12, 1974, he married Lee Hooper Mallams. Art was an active member of the First Reformed Church for many years, where he had served as elder and deacon. He was a member of the San de Fuca Volunteer Fire Department and Teamsters Local 709. He enjoyed woodworking and was a skilled handyman. He also enjoyed camping, hunting and loved spending time with his family. Art’s longtime dream of traveling the Al-Can Highway became a reality in 1992 when he and Lee journeyed “North to Alaska” in their RV.

Art is survived by his wife Lee; two daughters, Richie Meche and husband Bill and Susan Mallams, all of Oak Harbor; two sons, Bill Mallams and wife Tamara of Roy and Mike Mallams and wife Kerri of Everett; six grandchildren: Terri Fakkema, Stephanie Cone and husband Ray and Shane Mallams, all of Oak Harbor; Kim Meche of Vancouver, Wash., and Kael and Loryn Mallams, both of Everett; five great-grandchildren, Melany, Abi and Trenton Arthur Cone and Heather Fakkema, all of Oak Harbor and Pfc Brian Fakkema, USAR, serving in Iraq and wife Ally of Tennessee; sister Alice Rientjes and husband John of Oak Harbor; brother Dick Vander Voet and wife Beverly of Mount Vernon; also, daughter-in-law Judy Steele of Mount Vernon. In addition, Christina and Richard Carter of Oak Harbor had affectionately adopted Art as “Grandpa,” and the loving and caring staff of Whidbey Island Manor became like a family to him during the past four and one-half years of Art’s stay there. Art was preceded in death by son Gene in 2001, daughter Phyllis in 1945, sister Minn Nienhuis in 1999 and brother Cornie Vander Voet in 2004.

A Service of Remembrance was held Jan. 16 at First Reformed Church, Pastor Jon Brown officiating. Private inurnment will take place at a later date at Maple Leaf Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Music Ministry of First Reformed Church. Arrangements under direction of Burley Funeral Chapel, Oak Harbor.