FIND AN OBITUARY
Service information is posted on our website only with approval from the family.
If you are seeking information not listed below, please contact us.
Robert E. ”Van” Van der Cook
09/09/1929 — 09/09/2003
From Richland, WA, US | Born in Wyandotte, Michigan
Robert E. ”Van” Van der Cook
Robert Edward Van der Cook Van decided to pass through the veil on his 74th birthday. Born September 9, 1929, in Wyandotte, Michigan, he attended Roosevelt High School then the University of Michigan where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering.
Van moved to Richland, Washington in 1951. He married his wife, Barbara. He worked at the Hanford Project in many areas including laboratories, pilot plants, chemical processing, and plutonium metal fabrication.
Van particularly enjoyed working with all the young engineers. He enjoyed skiing, horseback riding, training and showing dogs. He loved turning wooden bowls.
His beloved wife, Barbara Van der Cook passed through the veil before him. He leaves behind his loving wife, Connie Van der Cook; his stepsons, Robert Rey Nilsen and Mark Steven Nilsen; his favorite daughter, Kiley Serenity Rowland; 6 grandsons who loved their Ompapa, Luke Nilsen, Nathan Nilsen, Timothy Nilsen, Christopher Nilsen, Robert Lee Nilsen IV, and Osten Hale. Brothers, Lewis and Madeline Van der Cook of Renton, WA and David and Jackie Van der Cook.
Van was a loving gift within himself. We are so thankful for his time with us. Vans personal thanks to miracle doctor Stephan Smith who made the rocky path of transition much easier with his personal time, care, and compassion.
Visitation will be at Einans Funeral Home from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday and from noon to 5:00 p.m. Friday.
A celebration of Vans life will be held for fans, friends and family at the Center for Positive Living, 210 E. 3rd Ave. Kennewick, WA, Saturday, September 13, 2003, at 3:00 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Tri-Cities Chaplaincy Hospice House, 2108 W. Entiat, Kennewick, WA, 99336.
I will always remember Bob and how fortunate it was for myself to be an engineering colleague for over 25 years.
My heart felt condolences.
Ray Vollert
With deepest sympathies in your time of grief.
Connie, you and your family have our deepest sympathies. We know at least that he’s in Don and Barbara’s care now. Still, a part of him will be with us always.
Connie,
My heart goes out to you and your family. Robert was a wonderful man. I picture him riding his bicycle and stopping to chat in the front yard. He had a kind heart and was never too busy to say hi to us. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sincerely, Your neighbor Terri Ramos and kids.
I was one of the many “young engineers” who were fortunate enough to know Bob both as a boss and more importantly as a mentor; he was an outstanding role-model.
My deepest condolances to the family.
He was one-of-a-kind and will be missed.
Wayne Poling
Guestbook for
Robert E. ”Van” Van der Cook