Fredrick Vander Mey Isaiah 40:31 But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles: they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Fred Vander Mey, 75, formerly of Mount Vernon passed away Saturday, September 16, 2006 at his home in Ocean Shores. He was born February 8, 1931 in Sumas, WA to Harry and Nancy Vander Mey who preceded him in death. He attended schools in Sumas, Nooksack Valley High School, Lynden Christian High School and also Calvin College in Michigan. He married his high school sweetheart, Doris Vander Griend on December 29, 1950 in Lynden and they lived there for 10 years. He taught at the Lynden Christian Schools. In 1960 the family moved to Mount Vernon and he was a teacher for 31 years at Mount Vernon Christian School. He directed the choraliers during this time and Doris was the first accompanist for him. He also directed the church choir and men's chorus at the First Christian Reformed Church. The highlight of the school year was the fifth grade trip which he continued doing for several years even after he retired. In 1957 their daughter Julie was born and eight years later their son Jim. Just 2 months short of their 40th wedding anniversary, and 1 year from retirement, Doris passed away in October of 1990. After "retiring" Fred moved to Portland, Oregon then later to Bellingham and returned again to Mount Vernon. In each of these places he was employed by K-Mart. His most recent place of employment was working at the Lunch Box for his friends Bill and Cathy Adelman whom he considered family. He was always busy with a project-gardening, painting or decorating his house. He loved just being with his family and friends. He enjoyed traveling throughout the United States, Europe, Asia and Australia. In June of this year, he and his precious canine companion Zoe moved to Ocean Shores. After a day of doing what he loved, working in his yard, he passed away suddenly the evening of September 16. He has touched so many lives and will be greatly missed by his family, friends and everyone who knew him. He is survived by his son and family James Vander Mey, Sally Palmgren and Cody Palmgren of Mount Vernon, daughter and son-in-law Chris and Julie Hale of Wenatchee. Three brothers and their wives, Herm and Frieda Vander Mey of Lynden, Gerrit and Alberta Vander Mey of Portland, Ted and Jessie Vander Mey of Sumas, one sister Julia Stuurman of Lynden, one brother-in-law Edwin James and Dorrie Vander Griend of Oroville and numerous nieces and nephews. Viewing will be held Friday, September 22, 2006, 10:00 am until 5:00 pm and Saturday, 9:00 am until 10:00 am at Hawthorne Funeral Home, followed by a Graveside Service, 10:00 am Hawthorne Memorial Park, and a Memorial Service, 11:00 am at the Christian Reformed Church, of Mount Vernon. In lieu of flowers, the family would ask that Memorials be made to a charity of your choice. Arrangements are under the care of Hawthorne Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 1825 E College Way, Mount Vernon.