Ronald Joseph Vanderlaan passed away on October 22nd, 2015.
Ronald was born in Chicago, Illinois, to Fred and Louise Vanderlaan. Ron settled in Decatur, Illinois as a teen. He attended Cuba Community High School in Cuba, IL and Milliken University in Decatur, IL. Ron also served in the United States Marine Corps and fought in the Korean War.
Little did Ron know that Mary, the girl next door, would become his loving wife of 58 years. Together, they raised four daughters.
In 1977, they sold their home they had built, packed up their station wagon with their four daughters, “Skipper” their dog, and all their belongings and headed West to California leaving family and life-long friends to begin a new journey. As they
traveled across country, they sang “California Here We Come” arriving and settling in Santa Barbara and eventually moving to Ventura to be close to Ron’s business, Vanco Tool Inc. Ron closed his business and started working for the Department of Defense with the United States Navy, eventually retiring from there.
Ron was preceded in death by his father Fred, mother Louise, step-mother Mary and Ron is survived by his wife Mary, daughters Diana Vanderlaan, Sharon Velasquez (Robert), Angela Smith (Brian), Cristina Reeve (Doug), his sister Mary “Sis” Stuber,
his brothers Roger (Jackie), Fred (Kathy) and Nick (Jan). His grandchildren Nicole Lopez (Phil), Jennifer Campolini, Michael Velasquez (Julie) Brandon Bailey (Shannon), Nicole Velasquez (Jonathan) and Cemara “Sammi” Velasquez, Aubree, Aidan, and Aaron Smith. His great-grandchildren Landon, Liam, and soon to be born Brenna. In addition, Frances, Christian, Brooklyn, Steven, and Noah, Hannah and many nieces and nephews.
Ron enjoyed playing his guitar, listening to country music, and attending family gatherings. He also enjoyed flying, and held a special place in his heart for animals.
He had a unique sense of humor and will be greatly missed by all.
The Vanderlaan family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the I.C.U. staff at Community Memorial Hospital in Ventura.