Cameron Budd VanderHenst's Obituary
OBITUARY:Cameron “Budd” VanderHenst, passed away on Tuesday, May 25, 2010 at Memorial Medical Center in Ludington at the age of 86. Budd was born on the family farm near Bauer, Michigan on March 3, 1924 to Abraham and Violet (Cameron) VanderHenst. At the age of five the family moved to Grand Rapids where Budd graduated from Wyoming Park High School with the class of 1941. He furthered his education at Davis Tech. He worked as a machinist for Jarecki Machine & Tool while he continued taking pre-pharmacy courses at the University of Grand Rapids. In late 1943, Budd was drafted into the US Army, and served 20 months with “I” company 362 Infantry Division in Italy. During his service, he earned three battle stars, was awarded the Purple Heart, and received various other medals. He was a life member of the VFW Post 3015. Following his discharge, Budd married Norma Schief on June 13, 1946 in Grand Rapids, and they celebrated 54 years together. Budd worked 24 years for Maghielse Tool & Die with a one year leave of absence to work as a Tooling Expeditor for Grand Rapids Metalcraft. Over the years he worked for Leese Tool, Preferred Tool, and Northwest Tool, and as a Chief Tool Engineer for at Lescoa. In 1975 Budd was advised by his doctor to “get out” and retire to his beloved North Country area of Irons, where he enjoyed many years of hunting, fishing at “The Hatch,” and sharing tall tales of his adventures meeting and making many good friends along the way. Budd was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Norma, and his son Craig. He will be lovingly remembered by his daughter Gail (Doug) Konyndyk of Irons; his granddaughters Erin VanderHenst of Grand Rapids, and Sarah (Joe) Venegas of San Antonio, Texas; four great-grandchildren; his sister June Bork; his sister-in-law Shirley (Ted) Kleymeer of Grandville; and many nieces and nephews. At Budd’s request, cremation has taken place at Western Michigan Crematory in Muskegon, and there will be no funeral home visitation or services. Those who wish to make memorial contributions are asked to consider the Salvation Army.
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