Harold W. VanderPol, a 25 year resident of Sedro-Woolley, died at his home on Sunday, October 7, 2007 at the age of 59 years.
He was born on October 1, 1948 in Mount Vernon, WA, the son of Neal & Bertha Beirlink VanderPol. He grew up in the Skagit Valley and attended Mount Vernon Christian School and he graduated from Lynden Christian High School. He married the late Lynette Thomas in 1969 and they raised their 4 daughters in Mount Vernon.
Harold spent 35 years working in the trucking business, driving for many companies as well as his own. He owned several businesses throughout the years, starting with VanderPol Excavating through to Papa Do Trucking; he was always happiest as his own boss. He had a stubborn streak and strong opinions about how things should be done, his way was the only right way. In 2003 he retired do to his health, and he finally had time to do all the things he loved. He married Annie Spoelstra on July 16, 2005 and together they built their retreat at the Cove that he was so proud of. He loved the many camping trips they took and all the hours spent fishing on the river. His grandchildren were his pride and joy, and he eagerly anticipated each visit he had with them. Whether you sat in front of him at church or at karaoke, you could hear he had music in his heart. He sang harmony to every song he heard.
‘Papa’ was quite the talker, he never met a stranger. A dreamer always thinking out his next big project, he loved to explain all his plans to anyone willing to sit down for a cup of coffee. He may have seemed like a hard man to many, but his girls all know he was really made of marshmallow. We will all miss the mischievous twinkle in his eyes, that crooked smile, his huge heart and the best bear hug a girl could ever get.
He is survived by his wife, Annie of Sedro-Woolley; mother, Bertha VanderPol of Mount Vernon; 4 daughters, Tracy Matt Scovell of Ferndale, Wendy Tony Scovell of Sedro-Woolley, Kelly Saul Hage of Surprise, AZ and Kristy Kevin Boblet of Germany; siblings, Ruth Stan DeVries of Lombard, IL, Allen Marcia VanderPol of Cape Coral, FL and Marlyce Snyder of Grand Rapids, MN; 3 Step-children, Carrie Hayton of Bow, Jeff Metcalf of Mount Vernon and Jason Metcalf of Sedro-Woolley; 11 Grandchildren, Thomas, Isaac, Olivia, Lauren, Karleeann, Ethan, Levi, Ella, Caleb, Grace and Anna and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family. He was preceded in death by his father, Neil VanderPol and brother-in-law, Dave Snyder. Memorials may be made to Mount Vernon Christian School.
A Memorial Service celebrating Harold’s life will be held at the First Christian Reformed Church in Mount Vernon on Wednesday, October 17, 2007 at 11:00 A.M. with Pastor Stan De Vries officiating.
Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley.