Gerald Vermeulen, also known as “Bud,” passed away unexpectedly but peacefully on Friday, March 8, 2019, at the age of 80.
The son of Gerrit and Adrianna (Berrevoets) Vermeulen was born Dec. 28, 1939, in Lynden. He attended Lynden Christian Elementary School and Lynden High School.
Bud was preceded in death by his wife, Pat, the love of his life for 55 years; siblings Gerrit Vermeulen Jr., Tony Vermeulen (Marilyn), Bud’s twin sister Margie Tabor (Tom), and Cora Stremler; brothers-in-law Jim Smits and Maynard Tjoelker and sister-in-law Jerry Vermeulen.
Bud is survived by his two children, Gerry Vermeulen (Barbara) and Susan Everett (James), grandchildren Alex, Sarah and Samantha; siblings Adrietta Smits, Casey Vermeulen, Jim Vermeulen (Sylvia), Gertrude Tjoelker and Elaine Tierney (Vince); sister-in-law Fran Vermeulen; brother-in-law Al Stremler; and several nieces and nephews.
Bud was a very proud veteran of the U.S. Navy, having served 23 years. He was stationed for some time in London, England, where he met his wife Pat. He then worked as an electrician for Bellingham Cold Storage for another 20 years after retiring from the Navy.
He was a dear brother to all his siblings, always there to help, caring and generous! He will be sorely missed.
Services will be held Saturday, March 23. Graveside will be at 10 a.m. with military honors, followed by the 11 a.m. memorial service at First Christian Reformed Church of Lynden, with Pastor Robert Woodyard officiating.
In lieu of flowers, you may make a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association in memory of his beloved wife Pat.
You are invited to share your memories and condolences in the online guest book at www.gilliesfuneralhome.com. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Gillies Funeral Home and Cremation Services.
