Age 67, passed away due to an accident on September 10, 2022, while fulfilling a lifelong dream on rafting through the Grand Canyon. Ron was born in Kalamazoo, MI, on August 5, 1955, the son of Thomas and Lorraine (Dykstra) VanderLugt. He graduated from Kalamazoo Christian High School, Class of 1974, sought higher education at Calvin College, and received his medical degree from the University of Michigan. He completed a residency in ophthalmology at the University of Maryland. He returned to Kalamazoo in 1989 and opened up a private practice at Borgess Medical Center. Ron was a kind, thoughtful and had an empathetic heart which shined through in the way he cared for his patients, his family and his friends. He lived life to the fullest and never missed an opportunity to make lasting memories. He loved traveling, snow skiing, listening to music, cooking and entertaining. He was a tennis enthusiast who was involved with the USTA Boys 18’s and 16’s National Tournament held in Kalamazoo. Above all Ron loved his family and his friends. He was a loving son, loyal brother, dedicated uncle and friend. His kind smile and laughter will be missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his mother, Lorraine; two brothers, Dr. James (Susan) VanderLugt, Donald (Yumiko) VanderLugt; nieces and nephews, Dr. Joel (Shontel) VanderLugt, David (Janet) VanderLugt, Rachel (Kyle) Kuipers, Michael VanderLugt, and Michelle VanderLugt; eleven great-nieces and nephews; many friends. He was preceded in passing by his father, Thomas.