Ronald VanderLugt M.D.
August 5, 1955 – September 10, 2022
A memorial service to honor and celebrate his life will be held on Saturday, October 1, 2022, beginning at 11:00 AM at Grace Christian Reformed Church, 1724 Whites Rd. Kalamazoo, MI 49008, with Pastor Mark Scheffers officiating. The family will receive friends at the church beginning at 10:00 AM, one hour prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be given to The Christian Resource Center, or the Humane Society of South Central Michigan, c/o the funeral home.
Obituary
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.
Ron was a friend since grade school. I am very sorry for your loss.
You were always a great help & will be missed a lot.
My sympathy to Lorraine, Jim and Don in the tragic loss of an old friend and classmate! He was my roommate at Calvin for the brief time I attended and always appreciated our conversations. Although many years have passed since my last contact with him I have good memories. May you find comfort in the words of I Peter 1:3-9…’The Living Hope’.
Thoughts and prayers to my Doctors family.
I recently saw Ron at a funeral for an Episcopal Priest and then more recently on a historical neighborhood walk. Dr. Vanderlugt was my wife’s ophthalmologist. I am sorry for your tragic loss.
What a tragic loss of a wonderful man. My thoughts and prayers for Aunt Lorraine, Cousin Jim and Don.
We have been patients of Dr. VanderLugt for decades…..we just found out about his passing and are so, so sorry….
Ron and I became friends through our many years on tennis courts together. Later my wife and I were fortunate to be part of his generous holiday social entertaining. We will treasure those memories of him. His family has our deepest sympathies.
Jim, Susan, David, and family. I’m sorry for your loss. I lost my sister years ago to MS. While not unexpected due to the progression of her disease, it was still sudden and sadening. I hope that your memories of Ron comfort you as does my memories of my sister Mary.