Robert "Robbie" Robert VanderLaan

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_VanderLaan

Robert "Robbie" VanderLaan (c. 1930-November 1, 2015[1]%29 was a former majority leader of the Michigan State Senate.[2] A Republican, he ran to replace Gerald Ford as representative for Michigan's 5th congressional district in a 1974 special election, but was defeated by Democrat Richard Vander Veen. It was seen as a stunning upset; VanderLaan had previously never lost an election and the district had long been considered a Republican stronghold. He served in the Senate for 20 years in total; after retirement he joined Democrat Bobby Crim in forming a lobbying firm; he also had a career as a lawyer.

Vanderlaan, Robert

On Sunday, November 1, 2015, Robert VanderLaan went to be with his Lord. Bob was 85 years old. He was preceded in death by his wife, Millie of 64 years and by his brother Harold. Bob is survived by his children, Linda and Dan Slotsema and Robert and Ann VanderLaan. Surviving grandchildren and great grandchildren include: Paul and Pam Slotsema and their children, Polly, Preston and Pierce; Nicole VanderLaan; Katherine and Luke Raymond and their daughter, Sarah Claire; Christine and Patrick Minor and their daughters, Zelda and Adelaide; David Slotsema; Michael and Rachel Slotsema; Jane Slotsema, and Sarah Slotsema. Bob was born in 1930 in Dutton, Michigan. He was the younger son of John and Florence VanderLaan. Bob attended the one-room "Smith School" through ninth grade and later graduated from both Grand Rapids Christian High School and Calvin College. He received a Masters Degree in Political Education from the University of Michigan. Following a ten-year teaching career at both Baxter Christian School and South Christian High School, Bob served as Paris Township Trustee, Clerk and Supervisor continuing on to serve twenty years as a Michigan State Senator from the thirty-first district. During his Senate career, he held numerous leadership positions. Following his service in the Michigan Senate, Bob formed his own business, Governmental Consultant Services Incorporated. He served as the chairman of this business for twelve years. In his retirement, he especially enjoyed spending time with family in Pentwater, winters in Florida, golfing, and traveling with friends.