Edward L. VanderStoep

Edward L. VanderStoep, age 82, from Oak Harbor, passed away May 1, 2015, in Tel Aviv, Israel, while on the trip of a lifetime with his oldest daughter, Judy. Born Nov. 19, 1932, to Andy and Fanny VanderStoep, Ed was a lifetime resident of Oak Harbor.

In 1955 he married his sweetheart, Bonnie Nienhuis. Ed and Bonnie had four daughters, Judy Stevenson (Pete), Linda Powell (Glenn), Sheri Bull and Cindy Merritt (Steve). They were blessed with 11 grandchildren, Elissa, Adam, Julianne, Eric, James, Curtis, Cassidy, Christen, Caitlin, Barnabi and Torrey. Sixteen great-grandchildren followed, whom he enjoyed so very much.

Ed was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, crabbing, clam digging and taking his daily walk. One of his great joys later in life was playing cribbage with his family and friends. You could find Ed most mornings having coffee and playing dollar poker at Burger King with his cronies. Ed was known for his adventurous spirit, positive attitude and playful disposition.

His wife, Bonnie, and brother Bill preceded him in death. Ed is survived by his brothers Ron and Ken VanderStoep and sister Leona May Anderson.

A memorial service will be at 1 p.m. Friday, May 8, 2015, at First Reformed Church. Memorials can be made to First Reformed Church, 250 SW Third Ave., Oak Harbor, WA 98277, where Ed was a lifetime member. Family and friends are encouraged to share memories and condolences at www.whidbeymemorial.com