Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are tired and heavy laden and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me for I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
The family, friends, and neighbors of Robert VanDerHeide, 63, have placed themselves in the gentle hands of Jesus as we mourn Bob’s passing on Jan. 19, 2022. Bob’s wife, Rebecca VanDerHeide, survives him. They spent 35 years in love, sharing the joyous and difficult seasons of life. Two of the happiest events were the births of their amazing children, Laura Jane VanDerHeide and James Robert VanDerHeide who are their parent’s pride and joy and who survive their dad. Laura and her boyfriend, Kris Eckrote, of Nicholson, Pa., have lately traveled many miles at all hours of the day and night to be by Bob and Becky’s side during Bob’s hospitalization.
James brought joy to our family when he married Hollie Elizabeth Niles in 2010. He and Hollie blessed Bob and Becky with two beautiful granddaughters, Rory Elizabeth, three years, and Ella Jane, two years, who were the brightest stars in Grandpa Bob’s universe and continue to charm and delight their grandmother. Jim and his dad were very close and shared many interests and talents including hunting and fishing, target shooting, camping and outdoor cooking, plus “projects” involving buildings or vehicles. Together they built two awesome cabins in the woods on the VanDerHeide property from the ground up. These have become the go-to gathering spots for family celebrations, entertaining friends or just relaxing with a cold drink. Jim’s yellow lab, Scooter, was their constant companion on “The Hill” with the ever-present Frisbee in his mouth inviting Bob and Jimmy to play. Scooter was a happy camper for 14 years and now keeps watch over the cabins from a special spot on “The Hill”.
Also surviving are Bob’s mother-in-law, Fran Bromley of Harpursville and his brother-in-law, Robert Bromley of Binghamton.
Bob was employed by Huff Ice Cream Inc. in Sidney for nearly 30 years. He was a versatile employee with many valuable skills and had an easy going attitude with everyone. The owners and co-workers at Huff’s assure us they will miss him greatly.
Bob came from a large family - mother, father, and seven children, who farmed since 1971 in Nineveh. Bob’s mother, Matilda VanDerHeide, passed in 2004 followed by his father, Martin VanDerHeide Jr. in 2006. Bob was also predeceased by his sister, Annette Huizinga of Afton, in 1994.
Surviving are much beloved siblings Samuel VanDerHeide and wife Denise of Port Crane, Martin VanDerHeide III and wife Mary of Wantage, N.J., Frank VanDerHeide and wife Winnie of Coopersville, Mich., Eileen Hanson and husband Harold of Nineveh, and Michael VanDerHeide and wife Linda of Port Crane. Bob’s extensive family also included numerous aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, and dozens of cousins both near and far, many who survive him and many who are on Heaven’s welcoming committee.
Robert will be interred at the Nineveh Presbyterian Cemetery in Nineveh, in the spring at the convenience of the family.
To honor Robert’s life, there will be calling hours from 10 a.m. to 12 noon on Saturday, Feb. 19, at the Nineveh Presbyterian Church, Route 7, Nineveh, with a service to follow at noon. Following the service a luncheon will be served in the attached parish hall at approximately 1 p.m. until complete.
