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of Chelsea, Michigan, passed away peacefully on May 11, 2025. He was 92 years young, born on April 13, 1933, in Sassenheim, Netherlands.

Known to all as Tom, he lived life to the fullest, living by the motto "work hard, play hard." Tom's passion for hockey was a lifelong affair, and he continued to play himself well into his 70s. He was the life of the party, a natural entertainer who loved to dance and had an uncanny ability to make people laugh. Tom's warm and engaging personality meant he was cherished by many, and there wasn't a person who didn't enjoy his company.

On May 5, 1958, Tom married the love of his life, Riet Nordermeer. Shortly after, they embarked on a new adventure, immigrating to the United States by boat. Together, they built a loving family and were blessed with three children.

Tom is survived by his sons, Harold (Jackie) Vandervoort and Tommy (Terri) Vandervoort; his grandchildren, Jason (Emily) Vandervoort, Corey Vandervoort, Deanna Declercq, Joshua (Gretchen) Declercq and Elaina (Max) Murray; and his great-grandchildren, Benjamin, Ellia, Everett, Meadow, Mickey and Rebecca. He also leaves behind his devoted girlfriend of twenty plus years, Gail Miller. Tom was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Riet Vandervoort, and his beautiful daughter, Linda Vandervoort. 

Friends and family were invited to pay their respects during a visitation at Cole Funeral Home on Saturday, May 24, from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM. A memorial service followed at the funeral home at 1:30 PM. A luncheon will be held immediately after the service at 210 E Cedar Lake, Chelsea, Michigan.

You may use the form below to share a memory or leave a public message for Tom's family. Please allow 24hrs. for us to review and post your comment. 

Comments  

#3 Robin Dixon 2025-05-22 15:11
Tom was such a good man. I knew him as my sisters father in law and spent many family gatherings with him on holidays and special occasions when Jason and Corey were young. I didn't get to see him much in later years as the kids were grown. But I still got a happy feeling at Jackie's mention of his name. He had that affect. Evoking positive feelings because he was was such a funny and jolly guy. In spite of the extraordinary losses Tom faced in his family, he carried on with a grateful heart and enjoying life. It was always a pleasure to be in Tom's company. I'm grateful to know he is now celebrating a joyous reunion with those who went before him :-}
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#2 Kees en Louise Korte 2025-05-18 13:30
Lieve dierbare familie, gecondoleerd met het ocerlijden van jullie vader, opa en overgrootvader. Hij was een innemende man, erg gezellig. Hij is bij ons geweest met zijn zussen Wil, Trees en Riet na een bezoek aan de fam. in Kerkrade. We hebben allerlei verhalen gehoord ocer het kattekwaad wat hij met zijn zus Trees vroeger haf uigehaald. Erg leuk om te horen. Hij was een lieve man, erg actief en een leuke oom. We vinden het erg jammer voor jullie dat hij overleden is, maar hij heeft een gezegende leeftijd behaald. Fijn dat ik hem heb mogen kennen. We wensen jullie heel veel sterkte met het verwerken van het verlies. Jullie zullen hem wel missen. Heel veel liefs van fam. Kortekaas-Overv liet uit Nederland, Brakel
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#1 Janice, Jim Botsford 2025-05-17 10:52
We would like to extend much sympathy to the Vandervoort family and to Gail. What can we say to express how much we will miss this wonderful friend and neighbor. Our lives have been enriched by knowing Tom for so many years, and we are broken hearted to lose him.
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