Bert Vandegraaf
May 16, 1942 ~ March 21, 2019
Resided in:
Fremont, California
Birthy Van de Graaf, known to all as BERT, Dad, Opa and to Julesa, Opa Dad, passed peacefully on March 21, 2019 surrounded by family. Bert was born to Lucien and Agnes Van de Graaf on May 16, 1942 in Surabaya, Indonesia.
Father to Nicole and Jason, step father to Rebecca and Keith, Grandfather to Brandon, Nicholas, Arturo, AJ, Matthew and CJ, great grandfather to his precious Mariah. Brother to Donald, Dirk and Humphrey. Uncle to seven nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his Brother Jan.
Bert, a very giving father husband and friend, put everyone's needs before himself. He loved to be surrounded by his family and was always ready to party. Bert loved vacationing in Hawaii, fishing and tending to his own orchard in his back yard and shared the fruit from his orchard with friends. Bert also loved all animals until the raccoons ate his chickens.
Service will be held on Thursday April 4th 2019 at 2:30 pm at Berge Pappas Smith Chapel of the Angels, 40842 Fremont Blvd., Fremont, CA. 94538. A Celebration of Life reception will follow at Spin A Yarn,45915 Warm Springs Blvd., Fremont, CA 94539. http://www.spinayarnsteakhouse.com
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
Sincere condolences to Connie, Nicole, Jason and their extended families. Bert will be truly missed. So glad to have known him.
We love you and miss you so much, Dad. We have beautiful memories with you that we will cherish forever. Xoxo
He was kind, funny, and caring. The world lost a great man. Heartfelt condolences to his loved ones and especially to his daughter and my friend, Nicole.
Wow that is such a perfect description and our hearts ache for you Connie and the family! I regret we had vacation plans so will miss the tribute and opportunity to give you a hug! Please know you and Bert are special to us and will be thinking if you and remembering him with love and admiration! Veela liefs, Mike and Lydia… please call us if you need anything
Our condolences Connie,
John says he always enjoyed talking to Bert especially at Henny’s place.
Sending our love and hugs.
“Tante” Loes and Johnny
So sorry about Bert. I loved to see you guys dance at the gigs.it was always good to see you guys
I am going to really miss Bert. What a super spirit he had and always seemed to light up every one he came in contact with, You could not walk away without smiling on something he had said in parting. He really lite up my life in knowing him.
Bert touch the hearts of many people.
He spent more time with us, his coworkers, than his family there is not enough words for the emptiness he has left us. We will miss you.
Sorry for your loss Vandegraaf family..
Uncle Bert, a warm & loving man, Family First, May you Rest In Peace
Opa Bert was a very generous man. Very knowledgeable and funny. A lot of his kind-ness and unselfishness ways were instilled in Nicole (his daughter) who I view as a mother to me. I was very sad to hear when my brother Brandon told his grandpa passed. I wish I could be there for the family to support them in this time of loss but I send my love. Bert rest in paradise and we’ll see you on the other side.
I will always remember Bert as Mr. Miyagi and my other dad! Just like his daughter Nicole (my best friend), he opened his home and heart to me, providing a safe place during my difficult high-school years. I will never forget his generosity, kind spirit, and fun way of looking at things. He lit up the room. I will miss you Mr. Miyagi!