Edwin J. "Bud" VanDeWege Born March 29, 1929 in Holland, Michigan, son of James and Margaret VanDeWege. Passed peacefully early Monday morning, July 2nd, at the age of 83. He is survived by the love of his life for 48 wonderful years, Hanky (Helene); and his 3 children and their spouses Shelley Barsoom (Daryl), Len VanDeWege (Arlene), and Bud VanDeWege, Jr. (Kathy). He was also blessed with 10 grandchildren who brought him much pride and happiness: Darice, Kristin, Alex, and Marti Barsoom; Melissa, Jennifer, and Derek VanDeWege; and Kimberly, Kelsey, and Evelyn VanDeWege; along with 1 great-grandchild Eloise. Bud was a versatile and...
Edwin J. "Bud" VanDeWege
Born March 29, 1929 in Holland, Michigan, son of James and Margaret VanDeWege.
Passed peacefully early Monday morning, July 2nd, at the age of 83.
He is survived by the love of his life for 48 wonderful years, Hanky (Helene); and his 3 children and their spouses Shelley Barsoom (Daryl), Len VanDeWege (Arlene), and Bud VanDeWege, Jr. (Kathy).
He was also blessed with 10 grandchildren who brought him much pride and happiness: Darice, Kristin, Alex, and Marti Barsoom; Melissa, Jennifer, and Derek VanDeWege; and Kimberly, Kelsey, and Evelyn VanDeWege; along with 1 great-grandchild Eloise.
Bud was a versatile and accomplished 3-sport athlete in Football, Basketball, and Track; highlighted by earning MHSAA All-State honors and the 1946 Class A State Championship in Basketball at Holland High School; followed by success at Hope College, leading the MIAA Conference in basketball scoring as a freshman in 1948.
He followed his life-long love of sports to Ann Arbor in 1964, when he came to work as the manager of the (George J.) Moe Sport Shops on North University and South State streets. He and Hanky realized their dream in 1971 when they bought the business and started a 39-year run establishing Moe's and Bud as 2 of Ann Arbor's most beloved local business icons, touching the lives of generations of University of Michigan students and fans.
"Big Bud" had a loyal passion for all Michigan Athletics, following every sport he could. He befriended countless athletes, coaches, and administrators through the years. With a special love for Wolverine Basketball, Football, Tennis, and Baseball, he and Hanky created a lifetime of friendships and memories tailgating, cheering, and supporting the Maize and Blue.
His devotion to Michigan Athletics was officially recognized in 2010 when he was presented with an honorary varsity letter, joining the legions of Michigan "M" Men and Women with lifetime membership in the Letterwinners Club.
He was further recognized by his peers with the "Yellow Jacket" award from the Bob Ufer Quarterback Club for his service and devotion to the legendary athletic scholarship fundraising club.
Among Bud's greatest pleasures in life came from golfing with Hanky, going to Las Vegas and local casinos with his friends and son Bud, daily breakfast at Frank's, lunch at Thano's, the Friday Club(s), poker with the guys, and sharing his backyard pool with family and friends.
His legacy will be a life-long goal of making people happy with a generous and joyful heart; living-out his life's philosophy of making "today the most important day of your life"
Donations in honor of Bud can be made to:
The University of Michigan Cardiovascular Center
The University of Michigan Athletic Department
A Celebration of his Life will be held on Sunday, September 16, 2012 at 2:00 pm at the Polo Fields Country Club in Ann Arbor.