Richard L. Vandenbark

A Celebration of Life for Richard (“Dick”) Lee Vandenbark, 78, an 18 year resident of Lake Barrington Shores, Lake Barrington, formerly long-time resident of Downers Grove, will be held on Sunday, March 18, 2018, Noon, at Lake Barrington Shores, 64 N. Old Barn Road, Lake Barrington, IL 60010.

He was born on February 14, 1939 in Indianapolis, IN. and passed away, peacefully, at home late February 6, 2018 with his loving wife by his side.

Dick was the beloved husband of Paula Reid-Vandenbark (nee Planz); dear son of the late Joseph Warren and Evelyn (nee Lee) Vandenbark,( Indianapolis, IN);  loving father of  Roy Todd Vandenbark, (Waverly, IA); Carl (Carrie) Vandenbark, (Cumming, GA); Warren McGregor,( IA); Kenneth (Kay) Vandenbark, (Littleton, CO); Thomas (Brandie) Reid, III, (Tavares, FL); Jennifer (Quoya) Tolbert, (Hinesville, GA): Melissa (Gen) Hansen, (Nederland, CO); and Elizabeth (Tom) Spencer, (Warrenville, IL); loving grandfather of Sonia (Tim) Holdaway,( Portland,OR); Stacey & Kelly Vandenbark,(Cumming, GA); Alissa Vandenbark, (Eau Claire,WI); Benjamin, Emma and Robin Vandenbark, (Littleton,CO): Nicholas & Daniel Reid (Kenosha, Wisc.); Josephine, Marley & Georgianna Reid (Tavares, FL); Kaylyn, Thomas & Noah Reid, (Warrenville, IL); “Boppa”/Grandpa Dick was expecting to be a first time great-grandpa this coming August (Portland,OR).

Dick was a 1957 Howe HS, (Indianapolis, IN) graduate; held a BA in Accounting, Michigan State University, (East Lansing, MI)(1961) where he was an exemplary participant in ROTC.  Upon graduating, entered the Army, Fort Riley, KS, with outstanding recommendations, he served as prestigious Paymaster, Ist Infantry Finance Corp, during the Vietnam War.  Here he and his new bride, Diane (nee Ferguson) started their family.  Honorably discharged, he departed as Retired 1st Lieutenant. Strategically moving 9 times in 11 years, living in Rochester, NY, Kankakee, IL, landing in Downers Grove, IL; he held management positions with Hawthorn Mellody, W.W. Grainger, UOP and, his favorite, CFO of Vogel-Peterson Manufacturing.  He purchased Arlington Beverage Co.(1986) making 33 flavors of handcrafted sodas from recipes dating back to 1872 earning a place in the Arlington Hts. Historical Society.  As a Consultant, Redeployment Cntr. Mgr. at Northrop Grumman, Military Defense (Rolling Meadows, IL),where he met Paula.

Raising 4 sons, he was active in Boy Scouts, Indian Guides, sports and sharing his talents in woodworking, family trips recording with Super 8 movie camera.  He was a warm hearted, jovial storyteller making one glad they listened.  Retired, he collected baseball caps, belt buckles, followed Indy/Nascar races, reading, fishing, traveling with his wife to visit family, enjoyed ocean waves on the beaches enjoying a mojito.  A warm-hearted grandfather, delighted in surprising many a young golfer with colored golf balls as Golf Attendant, Barrington’s training course, Langendorf Park.  His passion: to advance/share skeet/trap shooting skills leading beginners.  Dick was a Range Officer/Instructor at gun clubs, Bristol (WI), Winchester (WI) and Northbrook Sportsman’s Club (Hainesville, IL) creating special programs for women.  At LBS: served on the Finance, Rules/Regulations Committees, walking around the lake, biking, watching the deer, simply listening to rustling trees sitting on the balcony with Paula.  Movies, flea markets and auctions kept this pair busy!  Both health/wellness enthusiasts, passionate to living life to the fullest.  He was an authentic life coach sought out by many with his willingness in sharing his storytelling, humor and wisdom.  Dick truly was an amazing man who believed his greatest achievement in life was his sons.

Dick donated his brain to the Neuropathology Brain Bank Northwestern Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer Disease Center (ADC).  Anyone wishing to make a donation in Dick’s name may send checks to: Northwestern University CNADC, Attn: Thongsy Singvongsa, 320 E. Superior, Searle 11-453, Chicago, IL 60611.